Kerala Passes Resolution To Become Keralam: Know Origin, Significance & History Of The Word

While the Malayalam language refers to the state as 'Keralam' in its script, it is read, pronounced and spoken as 'Kerala' in English and other languages. 

CM Pinarayi Vijayan moved the resolution urging to change the etymology in all languages in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. 

The Kerala Legislative Assembly, in a unanimous decision on Wednesday, passed a resolution to alter the name of the state from 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'. This change aims to embrace the traditional nomenclature and heritage of the region. The resolution, introduced by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, urges the Central Government to officially adopt the term 'Keralam' across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

For an extended period, there has been a persistent demand for the change of the state's name. This move aligns with previous considerations dating back to 2010 when the then Kerala Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan informed the state Assembly about exploring the possibility of renaming 'Kerala' to 'Keralam'.

While the Malayalam language refers to the state as 'Keralam' in its script, it is read, pronounced and spoken as 'Kerala' in English and other languages. 

The name of the Malayalam-speaking state is also written as Kerala in the First Schedule of the Constitution.

Origin And Meaning Of 'Keralam'

The term 'Keralam' originates from the Malayalam words "Kera," signifying coconut, and "Alam," translating to land. Consequently, 'Keralam' aptly signifies the "‘Land of Coconut or Coconut Trees," a nod to the state's abundant coconut production, which contributes to approximately 45% of India's total coconut yield.

Diverse Perspectives On The Etymology Of Kerala's Name

The appellation 'Kerala' holds a multifaceted history with scholars and linguists like Dr Herman Gundert, a noted authority and the publisher of the first Malayalam-English dictionary, proposing varied origins for the name.

Dr Herman Gundert elucidates an alternative perspective on the etymology of Kerala's name. He suggests that the term 'Keram' corresponds to the Canarese (Kannada) variation of "cheram." Intriguingly, he refers to Keralam as Cheram, a designation associated with the geographical area spanning between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari.

Cheralam and Cheram, also emerging as distinct appellations, have been intertwined with references to Kerala. 

Dr Caldwell, a notable linguist, posits that "probably Kerala was the earliest form of the word, Kerala being a Sanskrit derivative." Within this context, 'Kera' conveys the significance of the coconut palm, a ubiquitous presence in the region.

However, Dr Caldwell's exploration introduces a nuanced interpretation: "It must be only a secondary meaning, the name of the country itself being probably the origin of this name of its most characteristic tree."

Other Interpretations

Dr N Padmanabhan, Associate Professor in History at CAS College, contributes to the discourse with his paper, 'History of Kerala-I' written for the University of Calicut. In it, he challenges the notion that Kerala signifies the land of the coconut palm from both philological and historical perspectives.

Dr Padmanabhan's analysis postulates that 'Kerala' may trace its origins to the root 'Cher,' meaning to join. This interpretation aligns with the geographical reality that the region experienced submersion in a bygone era. As the ocean receded, it united with the Southern peninsula, as exemplified in the Parasurama tradition.

This notion gains clarity within the compound term 'Cheralam,' wherein 'Alam' signifies region or land. Additionally, 'Cher' conveys the notion of being added, encapsulating the concept of a land augmented by the sea's recession.

Read 'HISTORY OF KERALA -I' by Dr N Padmanabhan Here

Historical Formation Of Kerala

Kerala's formation was a culmination of integrating princely states that share language and history. The region was initially composed of the princely states of Travancore and Cochin. These entities merged in 1949 to form Travancore-Cochin, subsequently becoming Kerala on November 1, 1956, following the enactment of the States Reorganization Act.

Aspiring To Rekindle Heritage

With the 'Keralam' resolution's passage, the state aspires to rekindle a connection to its cultural roots and seeks to have the proposed name change reflected in all languages mentioned in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, while presenting the resolution, emphasized the importance of this move to commemorate the state's distinctive heritage.