Overview
The Parliament of India has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, officially changing the state's name from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'. This change honors the historical demand for using the native Malayalam name and follows the unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly.
Key Facts
- Bill Name: Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026
- New Name: Keralam
- Constitutional Amendments: First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution
- Articles Amended: Article 31A and Article 290A
- Date of Formation: Kerala Piravi Day celebrated on 1st November 1956
Constitutional Procedure for Renaming
The renaming process is governed by Article 3 of the Constitution of India:
- Article 3 empowers Parliament to:
- Form new states
- Alter area, boundaries, or names of existing states
- Increase or diminish the area of any state
Procedure for Name Change:
- President's Recommendation: A Bill for changing a state's name requires the prior recommendation of the President for introduction in Parliament
- State Legislature Consultation: Must be referred by the President to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views
- Non-Binding Views: The views of the State Legislature are not binding on Parliament
- Article 4 Protection: Laws made under Article 3 are not deemed constitutional amendments under Article 368 (facilitates easier procedure)
- Simple Majority: The Bill requires only a simple majority in Parliament
- Presidential Assent: After parliamentary passage and Presidential assent, the name change becomes law
Historical Background of 'Keralam'
Ancient References:
- Ashoka's Rock Edict II (257 BCE): References the region as "Keralaputra," associated with the Chera dynasty
- The name has been in continuous use in Malayalam language
Etymology (According to Scholar Herman Gundert):
- 'Keralam' evolved from 'Cheram' or 'Cheralam'
- 'Cher' meaning "to join"
- 'Alam' meaning "land or region"
- Thus, Keralam literally means "the land of people joined together"
Political Movement:
- Aikya Kerala Movement (1920s): Demanded unification of Malayalam-speaking regions
- States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), 1956: Led to formation of unified Kerala state
- 1st November 1956: Modern Kerala formed by integrating Malayalam-speaking regions
- Constitutional Adoption: The Constitution adopted the anglicised name "Kerala" instead of native "Keralam"
Notable Examples of Name Changes
| Former Name | New Name | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Uttaranchal | Uttarakhand | 2007 |
| Orissa | Odisha | 2011 |
| Madras | Chennai | 1996 |
| Bombay | Mumbai | 1995 |
| Mysore | Karnataka | 1973 |
Significance of the Change
- Linguistic Pride: Restores native Malayalam nomenclature
- Cultural Recognition: Honors regional language and heritage
- Historical Accuracy: Aligns constitutional name with historical and linguistic roots
- Constitutional Update: Ensures administrative records reflect correct name
Related Constitutional Provisions
- Article 3: Parliament's power to alter state names
- Article 4: Laws under Article 3 not treated as constitutional amendments
- First Schedule: Lists states and union territories (to be amended)
- Fourth Schedule: Provisions relating to allocation of seats in the Council of States
- Article 31A: Saving of laws providing for acquisition of estates
- Article 290A: Financial relations between Union and certain states
Conclusion
The renaming of Kerala to Keralam represents a significant cultural and constitutional milestone, bringing the official name in line with the native Malayalam pronunciation and spelling. The process demonstrates India's federal structure where states can petition for name changes through parliamentary procedure, with appropriate constitutional safeguards.