The Union Cabinet has approved a proposal to officially rename the southern state of Kerala as “Keralam”, restoring the name used by its people in Malayalam for centuries. While the change may appear minor, it reflects a deep historical, cultural, and constitutional journey spanning more than 2,000 years.
Ancient Origins of the Name ‘Keralam’
Historians trace the origin of the name Keralam to two major theories:
1. The Chera Dynasty Theory (Most Credible)
The widely accepted theory links the name to the Chera dynasty, one of the three great ancient Tamil dynasties.
- The region was believed to be called Cheralam, meaning “land of the Cheras.”
- Over centuries, linguistic changes transformed Cheralam into Keralam.
- The earliest historical reference appears in Emperor Ashoka’s Rock Edict II (3rd century BCE), which mentions a southern ruler as “Keralaputra.”
2. The Coconut Land Theory (Folk Etymology)
A popular folk explanation suggests the name comes from:
- Kera (coconut tree)
- Alam (land)
Meaning “Land of Coconuts.”
However, historians consider this a later cultural interpretation rather than the original origin.
How ‘Keralam’ Became ‘Kerala’
The current name “Kerala” is largely a colonial-era spelling. British administrators modified local names for easier pronunciation, dropping the final “m” sound.
When the state was formed on November 1, 1956, under the States Reorganisation Act, the anglicised name “Kerala” was officially recorded in the Indian Constitution, although locals continued to use “Keralam” in daily speech.
Decades-Long Push for Restoration
The move to restore the original name has been ongoing for years:
- August 2023: Kerala Assembly passed a unanimous resolution seeking the name change.
- June 2024: A second resolution was adopted.
- The proposal received cross-party support from LDF, UDF, and the state BJP unit.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has been a strong advocate of the change, calling it a cultural correction.
What Happens Next? Constitutional Process
After Union Cabinet approval, the process will follow constitutional steps:
- The President will refer the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 to the Kerala Legislative Assembly for its views.
- The bill will then be introduced in Parliament.
- Once Parliament passes it, “Keralam” will officially replace “Kerala” in:
- The Constitution
- Government records
- Maps and official documents
Why This Matters
The renaming is more than symbolic. It reflects India’s broader trend of restoring indigenous names and correcting colonial-era spellings, similar to changes like Bengaluru, Chennai, and Mumbai.
For Kerala’s people, it is a return to linguistic and cultural identity—a name they have used for centuries.