Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, recently proposed renaming the state from Kerala to ‘Keralam’ in the state assembly. He highlighted that “Keralam” is the word used in Malayalam and connects deeply to the history of Kerala’s identity. This push for a name that resonates with Malayalam speakers has been part of a broader conversation about language and culture in India, dating back to the freedom struggle.
Name changes of places aren’t uncommon in India. They often reflect a shift in identity or reclaiming cultural roots. Here are a few notable examples:
Odisha (formerly Orissa): In 2011, Orissa became Odisha. This change corrected the anglicized name to one that aligns with local pronunciation, which comes from the Sanskrit “Odra Desha.”
Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal): Created in 2000, the state adopted the name Uttarakhand in 2007. This was in honor of activists who fought for its creation, translating to “Northern Land,” holding an important place in local culture.
Mumbai (formerly Bombay): In 1995, Bombay was renamed Mumbai to celebrate its Marathi heritage. This change honored Mumbadevi, the patron goddess of the Koli fishermen.
Bengaluru (formerly Bangalore): This tech hub officially changed its name in 2014. The name Bengaluru means “Town of Boiled Beans,” reflecting local history and pride.
Kolkata (formerly Calcutta): The cultural heart of India became Kolkata in 2001, shifting to better match local pronunciation and paying homage to its historical roots.
Chennai (formerly Madras): In 1996, Madras was renamed Chennai, reflecting the local Tamil identity rather than a colonial legacy.
Prayagraj (formerly Allahabad): Renamed in 2018, Prayagraj returns to its ancient roots mentioned in Vedic texts, symbolizing its significance at the confluence of sacred rivers.
Gurugram (formerly Gurgaon): This change in 2016 honored the legendary figure Dronacharya from the Mahabharata, emphasizing the area’s historical significance.
These name changes often ignite discussions on social media. Users express pride in their heritage and the emotional weight these names carry. For instance, after the name change to Prayagraj, many shared personal stories and their connections to the city’s history on platforms like Twitter and Instagram.
According to a recent survey, 45% of respondents support renaming places to reflect cultural and historical identities. Experts in sociology highlight that such changes can enhance local pride and strengthen community bonds, showing that names are more than just labels; they carry stories and identities.
You can find more about these name changes and their impacts in sources like News18.
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