April 01, 2026
- The proposal to change Kerala’s name to Keralam received approval from the Centre in February, signifying an advancement in the state’s attempt to preserve its culture.
- A resolution for this change had been passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly in 2024.
- According to officials, the change highlights the state’s name in the Malayalam language. It recognises the language and also the Malayalam-speaking community.
- Following several more procedures and assent by the president of India, the state will officially be called ‘Keralam’. Kerala will then be known by its new name, which will also be adopted in administrative documents.
- The name Keralam comes from two Malayalam words—‘Kera’, which means ‘coconut’, and ‘alam’, which means ‘land’.
Image for representational purposes
ACTIVITY: The Name Game
What are the former names of the following places?
