The whole story of Kerala becoming Keralam, know why and who advised to change the name?: – ..

By Samira Vishwas On Feb 28, 2026

News India Live, Digital Desk: In Malayalam language the state has always been ‘Keralaam’ (Keralam) itself is called. The word ‘Kerala’ is actually the English and Hindi version of this name. The state government argues that when the names of the states are mentioned in the First Schedule of the Constitution, the word ‘Keralaam’ should be used there to respect the local language and culture.

2. Historical basis: Relation with the inscriptions of Ashoka

The history of Kerala is very ancient. This area is mentioned in the inscriptions of the period of Emperor Ashoka (3rd century BC) ‘Keralaputra’ Having said. Later, the word ‘Keralaam’ continued to be used in Sangam literature and medieval texts also.

3. ‘Ekya Kerala’ Movement: Beginning of Modern Demand

The idea of changing the name is not new. in the 1920s ‘United Kerala’ The movement had started. At that time there was a demand that on linguistic basis, all the Malayalam speaking areas (Malabar, Cochin and Travancore) should be merged into one state and it should be named ‘Keralam’. When the state was formed on 1 November 1956, it was written as ‘Kerala’ in the official papers, which is now being corrected.

4. What is the legal procedure for changing name?

Changing the name of any state is not so easy. For this a long constitutional process has to be followed:

Assembly resolution: The state assembly has to pass the resolution with an absolute majority (which Kerala has done).

Centre’s approval: This proposal is sent to the Union Home Ministry.

constitutional amendment: Constitution to Parliament Article 3 Amendments have to be made under.

Presidential Seal: The name officially changes only after the President’s signature.

5. Have the names of states changed before also?

Yes, the names of many states and cities in India have been changed based on their local identity:

Madras From Tamil Nadu (1969)

Mysore From Karnataka (1973)

Uttaranchal From Uttarakhand (2007)

Orissa From Odisha (2011)