Kerala Renamed as Keralam in 2026
The Parliament has passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the official renaming of the State of Kerala as “Keralam”.
The move follows a unanimous resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly seeking the change of the State’s name. The new name reflects the State’s original Malayalam identity and represents the linguistic and cultural aspirations associated with the Malayalam-speaking population.
The amendment aims to update constitutional and administrative references to the State’s native name.
Key Provisions of the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026
The Bill proposes amendments to the First and Fourth Schedules of the Constitution to replace the name “Kerala” with “Keralam” in official constitutional records.
It also introduces consequential changes in:
- Article 31A
- Article 290A
to ensure consistency in constitutional references after the name alteration.
Once approved, all official documents, government records and administrative references will recognise the State by its Malayalam name, Keralam.
Constitutional Procedure for Changing the Name of a State
The process of changing the name of a State is governed by Article 3 of the Indian Constitution.
Under Article 3, Parliament has the power to:
- Form new States.
- Increase or decrease the area of any State.
- Alter State boundaries.
- Change the name of any State.
Procedure for Renaming a State
- Presidential Recommendation
- A Bill for changing the name of a State can be introduced in Parliament only after receiving the prior recommendation of the President.
- Reference to State Legislature
- The President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature to seek its views.
- The State Legislature can express its opinion within the specified period.
- Parliamentary Approval
- The views of the State Legislature are advisory and are not binding on Parliament.
- Parliament can pass the Bill through a simple majority.
- Presidential Assent
- After approval by both Houses of Parliament and receiving Presidential assent, the name change becomes legally effective.
Role of Article 4 of the Constitution
Article 4 provides that laws made under Article 3 are not considered constitutional amendments under Article 368.
Therefore, a State name change does not require the special procedure required for constitutional amendments and can be carried out through an ordinary legislative process.
Examples of Previous State Name Changes
India has witnessed several instances where States changed their names to reflect linguistic, cultural or historical identities.
Some important examples include:
- Uttaranchal → Uttarakhand (2007)
The name was changed to reflect regional identity and cultural heritage. - Orissa → Odisha (2011)
The change restored the traditional Odia pronunciation and identity of the State.
Historical Background of the Name “Keralam
The name “Keralam” has deep historical, linguistic and cultural roots.
Ancient References
The region finds mention in ancient sources, including Ashoka’s Rock Edict II (257 BCE), where it is referred to as “Keralaputra”, a term associated with the ancient Chera dynasty.
The Chera rulers played a significant role in shaping the history and cultural development of the region.
Linguistic Origin of the Name
According to the German scholar Herman Gundert, the word “Keralam” may have evolved from terms such as “Cheram” or “Cheralam.”
The interpretation connects:
- Cher → to join or unite
- Alam → land or region
Thus, Keralam represents a land associated with unity and geographical identity.
Aikya Kerala Movement and Formation of Kerala
The demand for a united Malayalam-speaking State gained momentum through the Aikya Kerala Movement during the 1920s.
The movement aimed to bring together Malayalam-speaking regions under a single administrative unit based on linguistic identity.
Following the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission (SRC), 1956, the modern State of Kerala was formed on:
1 November 1956
by integrating Malayalam-speaking regions from:
- Travancore-Cochin
- Malabar region
- Kasaragod area
The day is celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day.
However, while the native Malayalam name was “Keralam”, the Constitution adopted the anglicised form “Kerala”.
Significance of Renaming Kerala as Keralam
Preserving Linguistic Identity
The name change recognises the State’s original Malayalam identity and cultural heritage.
Honouring Historical Aspirations
It fulfils a long-standing demand connected with the Aikya Kerala movement and linguistic reorganisation.
Administrative Uniformity
The amendment ensures that constitutional and official records reflect the name commonly used by the people of the State.
Conclusion
The renaming of Kerala as “Keralam” represents more than a change in nomenclature; it reflects the connection between language, history and regional identity.
By recognising the traditional Malayalam name, the amendment acknowledges Kerala’s cultural heritage while following the constitutional process prescribed under Articles 3 and 4. It highlights how India’s federal structure accommodates regional aspirations while maintaining constitutional unity.
Kerala Renamed as Keralam: FAQs
What is the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026?
The Bill seeks to officially change the name of the State from Kerala to Keralam, reflecting its Malayalam linguistic and cultural identity.
Which Constitutional Articles are involved in renaming Kerala?
The Bill involves Article 3, which governs alteration of State names, and Article 4, which provides for consequential changes without invoking the special procedure under Article 368.
Does a State need Parliament's approval to change its name?
Yes. Parliament has the power to change a State’s name under Article 3. The concerned State Legislature’s views are sought but are not binding on Parliament.
Why is Kerala being renamed as Keralam?
The proposed name reflects the State’s original Malayalam identity, linguistic heritage and cultural aspirations.
When was the modern State of Kerala formed?
Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956 following the reorganisation of States on linguistic lines. The day is celebrated as Kerala Piravi Day.
