Historical and Linguistic Roots of "Keralam"
Context:
The Union Cabinet recently approved the proposal to change the name of the state from Kerala to Keralam.
This decision follows resolutions passed by the Kerala Assembly urging the Centre to amend the Constitution to reflect the state's name in its local language.
Constitutional provisions regarding change of the name of a State:
Article 3 — Formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States
Parliament may by law, alter the name of any state, provided that no Bill for the purpose shall be introduced in either House of Parliament except on the recommendation of the President.
After the President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature to express its views within a specified period.
The State’s opinion is advisory, not binding on Parliament.
The Bill is passed by a simple majority (ordinary legislative process).
It is to be noted that, Consultation with the State is mandatory, however the state’s consent is not; as the Parliament has final authority in this regard.
Effect on the Constitution:
Under Article 4, such a law may amend the First Schedule (name of the State) and related provisions.
It is not treated as a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.
Central Approval:
The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) examines the request and seeks No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from agencies like the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, and Survey of India.
Origins of the Name:
There are multiple theories about the origin of the name “Kerala”.
The earliest epigraphic reference is found in Rock Edict II of Ashoka, dated to 257 BCE, which mentions “Keralaputra” (Sanskrit for “son of Kerala”), also interpreted as a reference to the Chera dynasty.
Linguistic and Historical Roots:
While the state is listed as "Kerala" in the First Schedule of the Constitution, it is referred to as "Keralam" in Malayalam.
The demand for "Keralam" is rooted in the linguistic reorganisation of states.
Inspired by the freedom movement, Malayalam-speaking people from the regions of Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore pressed for political unification based on their shared language and culture.
The princely states of Travancore and Kochi merged to form the Travancore-Cochin state on July 1, 1949.
The State Reorganisation Commission, headed by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended the creation of Kerala.
This involved integrating the Malabar district and Kasargod taluk with Travancore-Cochin, while excluding the southern taluks of Travancore (which went to Tamil Nadu).
The state was formally reorganised on November 1, 1956, observed as "Kerala Piravi" (Kerala Formation Day).