The Union Cabinet of India has approved a proposal to rename the state of Kerala as Keralam, a move that marks a significant cultural and linguistic shift for the southern state. This approval comes ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in Kerala and follows unanimous resolutions passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in both August 2023 and June 2024 seeking the change.
The name ‘Keralam’ isn’t new, it is the traditional Malayalam name of the state and has been used locally for centuries. Historical records date the word back to ancient times, including references like ‘Keralaputra’ in Ashokan edicts and mentions in early Tamil literature. Supporters argue that the anglicised version ‘Kerala’ emerged during British rule, and restoring Keralam honours the region’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
However, to make the name change official, several constitutional steps must still take place. Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament must pass an amendment to update the First Schedule with the new name. The process involves the President referring a bill to the Kerala Assembly for its views, followed by approval in both Houses of Parliament by a simple majority, and finally the President’s assent and a Gazette notification.
While Kerala’s proposal has moved forward, West Bengal’s long-standing demand to rename the state as Bangla has not been approved by the Centre, despite multiple Assembly resolutions over the years. Proposals dating back to the late 1990s and renewed efforts under different governments — including suggestions like ‘Paschim Bango’, ‘Bengal’, or ‘Bangla’, have repeatedly stalled.
One of the reasons cited was that earlier proposals included multiple names in different languages, which the Centre said could not be accepted. Later attempts to use a single name like ‘Bangla’ were also declined. The Ministry of External Affairs reportedly raised concerns that ‘Bangla’ may cause confusion with the neighbouring country Bangladesh in international settings.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has criticised the Centre’s reluctance, calling it inconsistent and arguing that her state’s culture and history justify a name change. Yet under the Constitution, while state assemblies can initiate such demands, final authority rests with the Union government and Parliament, a hurdle West Bengal’s proposals have not yet crossed.
In the balance between cultural identity and constitutional procedure, Kerala seems set to become Keralam, while West Bengal continues to await its moment for a potential new name.
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