Daily Current Affairs : 10-August-2023
In a significant move, the Kerala Assembly recently passed a resolution urging the Centre to rename the state as “Keralam” in the Constitution and all official records. This decision has sparked discussions about the history of the state’s name, its evolution, and the process of renaming a state.
Origins of Kerala and Keralam
The name “Kerala” has intrigued historians for years, with several theories about its origin. One of the earliest mentions of Kerala is found in Emperor Asoka’s Rock Edict II dating back to 257 BC. The inscription refers to the local ruler as “Keralaputra” or “son of Kerala,” linked to the Chera dynasty. On the other hand, “Keralam” is believed to have roots in the word “Cheram,” which could be traced to the Canarese (Kannada) term “keram.” This term refers to the region between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari. The word “cher,” meaning to join, might have contributed to the origin of “Keralam,” which can be understood in the compound word “Cheralam,” where “alam” signifies region or land.
Demand for Modern State and Formation
The quest for a united Kerala gained momentum in the 1920s through the Aikya Kerala movement. This movement aimed to merge Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore into a single territory, reflecting the aspirations of Malayalam-speaking people. On July 1, 1949, the integration of Travancore and Kochi gave rise to the Travancore-Cochin State. Later, the State Reorganisation Commission, led by Syed Fazl Ali, recommended the creation of Kerala. This entailed incorporating the Malabar district and the Kasargod taluk into the new state, along with the exclusion of four Southern taluks.
The state of Kerala officially came into existence on November 1, 1956. In Malayalam, it was referred to as “Keralam,” while in English, it retained the name “Kerala.”
The Process of Renaming a State
Renaming a state is not a straightforward task and involves a well-defined process. To change the name of a state, approval from the Centre’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is indispensable. This necessitates a Constitutional amendment. The process initiates with a proposal from the state government, which the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) reviews. The MHA’s consent follows after obtaining No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from various agencies, including the Ministry of Railways, Intelligence Bureau, Department of Posts, Survey of India, and Registrar General of India.
Upon acceptance of the proposal, it is introduced as a Bill in the Parliament. Once the Bill is passed, the state’s name is legally changed.
Important Points:
Origins of Kerala and Keralam:
- Name “Kerala” has multiple origin theories.
- Mentioned in Emperor Asoka’s Rock Edict II (257 BC) as “Keralaputra” (son of Kerala) linked to Chera dynasty.
- “Keralam” might originate from “Cheram,” referring to region between Gokarnam and Kanyakumari.
- “Cheram” could be linked to “keram” in Canarese (Kannada) meaning to join.
- “Cheralam” signifies “alam” (region or land) joined through “cher.”
Demand for Modern State and Formation:
- Aikya Kerala movement in 1920s aimed for unified Kerala.
- Integration of Travancore and Kochi on July 1, 1949, formed Travancore-Cochin State.
- State Reorganisation Commission under Syed Fazl Ali recommended creating Kerala, including Malabar district and Kasargod taluk.
- Kerala officially formed on November 1, 1956.
Process of Renaming a State:
- Centre’s Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) approval needed for renaming a state.
- Constitutional amendment required for the change.
- State government initiates proposal, MHA reviews and grants consent after NOCs from agencies like Railways, Intelligence Bureau, etc.
- Accepted proposal introduced as Bill in Parliament, leading to legal name change.
Why In News
The Kerala Assembly, in a significant move, has unanimously passed a resolution urging the Central Government to officially recognize the state as “Keralam” in both the Constitution and all official records. This decision reflects the deep-rooted cultural and historical sentiments of the people of Kerala, highlighting their commitment to preserving and celebrating the state’s rich heritage.
MCQS about Kerala’s Renaming to “Keralam”
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What is the proposed change in the name of the state “Kerala”?
A. Changing it to “Keram”
B. Changing it to “Keraland”
C. Changing it to “Keralam”
D. Changing it to “Keralia”
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What was the primary goal of the Aikya Kerala movement in the 1920s?
A. To establish the Travancore-Cochin State
B. To unite Malabar, Kochi, and Travancore into a single territory
C. To rename the state as “Keralam”
D. To separate Kerala from the Chera dynasty
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What is the crucial step required to change the name of a state?
A. Approval from the State Government
B. Approval from the Ministry of Railways
C. Constitutional amendment and approval from the Centre’s Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Approval from the Intelligence Bureau
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What is the origin of the term “Keralam”?
A. It originates from the word “Kerala” meaning “land of coconut trees.”
B. It is derived from the Sanskrit term “Keralaputra.”
C. It is believed to originate from “Cheram,” referring to a region.
D. It is a modern term coined during the state’s formation in 1956.
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