Renaming Kerala to “Keralam” | 25 Feb 2026

Source: PIB

Why in News? 

The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of Kerala to “Keralam.” A Bill titled Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 will be processed under Article 3 of the Constitution. The move follows a 2024 resolution by the Kerala Legislative Assembly requesting the change.

What is the Constitutional Procedure for Renaming a State?

  • Parliamentary Authority: Under Article 3 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament holds the exclusive power to form new states or alter the area, boundaries, or name of any existing State by law.
  • State Resolution: The process practically begins when a State Assembly passes a resolution for the name change and sends it to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
  • Clearance and No Objection Certificates: The Ministry of Home Affairs examines the request and seeks No Objection Certificates from various stakeholders such as the Ministry of Railways, the Intelligence Bureau, the Department of Posts, Survey of India, and the Registrar General of India to ensure the name change does not conflict with existing administrative, geographical, or security records.
    • The Department of Legal Affairs and Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, have concurred with the proposal for the alteration of the name of the State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’.
  • Prior Recommendation: Once the Ministry of Home Affairs clears the proposal, the Bill can then only be introduced in Parliament with the prior recommendation of the President.
  • State Legislature's Views: If the Bill affects the name or boundaries of a State, the President must refer the draft Bill to the respective State Legislature.
  • Time-Bound Process: The State Legislature is asked to express its views within a specific period designated by the President. 
    • Parliament is not strictly bound by the views of the State Legislature; it may accept or reject them.
  • Simple Majority: The Bill requires only a simple majority in the Parliament to be passed, and it is not considered a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
  • Presidential Assent: After passage, the Bill is sent to the President for assent. Upon assent, the name change becomes law, and the First Schedule is amended.
    • The First Schedule of the Indian Constitution lists the names and territorial boundaries of all States and Union Territories, forming the legal basis of India’s political map.
    • The Kerala Assembly specifically requested that the name be changed to "Keralam" not just in the First Schedule, but across all official languages recognized in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, ensuring total linguistic consistency.
  • Historical Precedents: Notable changes include Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand (2007) and Orissa to Odisha (2011).

The Origins of 'Keralam'

  • Epigraphic and Etymological Roots: The earliest epigraphic evidence of the region is found in the Rock Edict II of Emperor Ashoka (257 BCE), which refers to the region as "Keralaputra" (often interpreted as a reference to the Chera dynasty).
  • Linguistic Evolution: According to the renowned German scholar Herman Gundert (who compiled the first Malayalam-English dictionary), the word "Keralam" evolved from "Cheram" or "Cheralam."
    • The root word "cher" means "to join," and "alam" translates to "land or region." 
    • Thus, "Cheralam" or "Keralam" denoted the integrated land between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari.
  • The Aikya Kerala Movement: The political demand for a unified state integrating the Malayalam-speaking regions of Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore gained significant momentum during the 1920s alongside the national freedom struggle.
  • State Reorganization (1956): Post-independence, the State Reorganisation Commission (SRC), headed by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended the creation of a unified state based on linguistic lines.
    • On 1st November 1956 (celebrated annually as Kerala Piravi Day), the modern state was formed by integrating the Malabar district and Kasargod taluk while excluding certain southern taluks of Travancore. 
    • However, in the Constitution, the anglicized or altered version "Kerala" was recorded instead of the native Malayalam "Keralam."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which constitutional provision allows the renaming of a state in India?

Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the name, area, or boundaries of a state by law.

2. What role does the President play in the renaming process?

The Bill can be introduced only with the prior recommendation of the President, who also refers it to the State Legislature for views.

3. Are the views of the State Legislature binding on Parliament?

No, Parliament may accept or reject the State’s views while passing the law.

4. Why is the First Schedule important in a state name change?

The First Schedule lists state names and territories; renaming requires its amendment.

5. What was the Aikya Kerala Movement?

A 1920s movement demanding a unified Malayalam-speaking state, leading to Kerala’s formation in 1956.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims

Q: Which one of the following is the correct chronological order of the formation of the following states as full states of the Indian Union? (2007)

(a) Sikkim — Arunachal Pradesh — Nagaland — Haryana

(b) Nagaland — Haryana — Sikkim — Arunachal Pradesh

(c) Sikkim — Haryana — Nagaland — Arunachal Pradesh

(d) Nagaland — Arunachal Pradesh — Sikkim — Haryana

Ans: (b)