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Kerala to Keralam: Constitutional Process, Cultural Reasons and UPSC Prelims Notes

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS NOTES

Kerala → Keralam Name Change Proposal





1. Why in News?

  • Union Cabinet approved Kerala Government’s proposal to change the state’s English name from Kerala to Keralam.

  • Based on unanimous resolutions passed by Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024 and later revised resolution.

  • Proposal now requires Parliamentary approval.

  • Important for UPSC under Polity, Federalism, Culture.

2. Cultural and Linguistic Reason

  • In Malayalam language, the state is traditionally called Keralam.

  • States in India were reorganised on linguistic basis in 1956.

  • Kerala Assembly argued that official English name should match native linguistic identity.

  • Similar precedents exist in India:

    • Orissa → Odisha

    • Pondicherry → Puducherry

    • Mysore → Karnataka

Purpose: cultural authenticity and linguistic correctness.

3. Origin of the Name “Keralam”

Earliest Historical Reference

  • Mention in Major Rock Edict II of Emperor Ashoka (~3rd century BCE).

  • Word used: “Keralaputra”, referring to Chera rulers.

Chera Dynasty Connection

  • Kerala region ruled by Chera Dynasty.

  • Word origin theories:

    • Cheram + Alam → Land of Chera people.

    • Cher = to join; Alam = land.

  • Scholar Hermann Gundert linked Kannada word “Keram” with “Cheram”.

Conclusion: The name Keralam has deep historical and cultural roots.

Pre-Independence Regions

Malayalam-speaking regions were divided among:

  • Malabar District (Madras Presidency)

  • Travancore

  • Cochin

Aikya Kerala Movement

  • Started in 1920s.

  • Demand for unification of Malayalam-speaking regions.

  • Inspired by linguistic nationalism.

After Independence

  • Travancore + Cochin merged in 1949.

  • States Reorganisation Commission (1953) under Fazl Ali.

  • Based on linguistic lines → Kerala created.

Important Date:

  • 1 November 1956 → Formation of Kerala.

  • Celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day.

5. Constitutional Procedure to Change Name of a State

Relevant Articles

  • Article 3 → Formation of states and alteration of names.

  • Article 4 → Consequential amendments in First Schedule.

  • State names are listed in First Schedule.

Step-by-Step Process

  1. Proposal originates from State Government.

  2. Sent to Union Ministry of Home Affairs.

  3. MHA seeks No Objection Certificates from departments such as:

    • Railways

    • Survey of India

    • Registrar General of India

    • Intelligence Bureau

    • Department of Posts

  4. Union Cabinet approval.

  5. Bill introduced in Parliament.

  6. Bill passed by Simple Majority.

  7. President’s assent.

  8. Gazette notification → Name change takes effect.

Important Point:
This is not a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.

6. Why Revised Resolution Was Needed

  • Earlier resolution wanted change in First Schedule and Eighth Schedule.

  • Changing Eighth Schedule requires:

    • Special Majority.

    • Ratification by half of states.

  • Kerala later passed revised resolution asking change only in First Schedule.

7. Can Union Government Reject Proposal?

Yes.

Example:

  • West Bengal proposed change to “Bangla” in 2018.

  • Concerns due to similarity with Bangladesh.

  • Proposal not approved.

Union Government has final authority.

8. Important Constitutional Facts for Prelims

  • State names listed in First Schedule.

  • Languages listed in Eighth Schedule.

  • Article 3 requires Simple Majority.

  • Article 368 requires Special Majority.

  • President refers bill to state legislature for opinion (not binding).

9. Previous State Name Changes in India

Old NameNew NameYear
MysoreKarnataka1973
OrissaOdisha2011
UttaranchalUttarakhand2007
PondicherryPuducherry2006
MadrasTamil Nadu1969

10. Possible UPSC Prelims Questions

  1. Name of a State is mentioned in which Schedule?
    Answer: First Schedule.

  2. Alteration of state name requires which majority?
    Answer: Simple Majority under Article 3.

  3. Earliest reference to Kerala found in which source?
    Answer: Ashoka Rock Edict II.

  4. Kerala was formed in which year?
    Answer: 1956.

11. Keywords for Revision

Article 3
Article 4
First Schedule
Simple Majority
Keralaputra
Chera Dynasty
States Reorganisation Act 1956
Fazl Ali Commission
Aikya Kerala Movement

12. One-Page Quick Revision

  • Kerala wants name change to Keralam.

  • Cultural and linguistic alignment.

  • Assembly passed resolution.

  • Parliament must approve.

  • Done under Article 3.

  • Only Simple Majority needed.

  • State names listed in First Schedule.


MCQ 1

Q1. The name of a State in the Indian Union is mentioned in which part of the Constitution?

A. Seventh Schedule
B. First Schedule
C. Eighth Schedule
D. Part VI

Answer: B. First Schedule

Explanation:

  • The First Schedule lists all states and union territories with their names and territories.

  • The Eighth Schedule lists languages.

  • The Seventh Schedule deals with Union, State, and Concurrent Lists.

MCQ 2

Q2. Which of the following statements regarding alteration of the name of a State in India is correct?

  1. It requires a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.

  2. It requires a simple majority in Parliament under Article 3.

  3. The State Legislature’s consent is mandatory.

Select the correct answer:

A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 2 and 3 only

Answer: B. 2 only

Explanation:

  • Changing a state’s name is done under Article 3, not Article 368.

  • Requires simple majority in Parliament.

  • State Legislature’s opinion is taken but not binding.


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