‘Kerala Is Older Than Keralam’: Tharoor Questions Renaming Move
Congress MP Calls It ‘Empty Symbolism’, Questions Historical Basis and Practical Impact
- Shashi Tharoor questions renaming of Kerala to Keralam
- Says ‘Kerala’ has older historical roots than ‘Keralam’
- Terms move “pointless exercise” amid pending key issues
- Debate intensifies after Union Cabinet clears proposal
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Feb: Senior Congress leader and Thiruvananthapuram MP Shashi Tharoor has criticised the decision to rename Kerala as “Keralam”, calling it neither historically accurate nor a priority when pressing issues remain unresolved.
In an interview, Tharoor argued that “Kerala” is in fact the older name, appearing in Sanskrit epics, Tamil texts and even the Ashokan edicts dating back to the 2nd century BC. According to him, the term “Keralam” emerged only around the 11th century.
Tharoor said it was ironic that the move is being projected as a revival of antiquity. “Kerala was called Kerala for centuries — from the 2nd century BC right up to the 11th century. The name ‘Keralam’ appears much later,” he said, adding that no version of “Keralam” is found in Ashokan inscriptions.
On a lighter note, he joked about what residents would now be called, quipping that terms like “Keralam-ite” or “Keralam-ian” sounded awkward.
Describing the decision as a “pointless exercise”, Tharoor said the state required substantive development measures rather than symbolic changes. He cited pending demands such as an AIIMS, fiscal support, high-speed rail connectivity and protection against coastal erosion.
The renaming proposal was recently cleared by the Union Cabinet led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, triggering political debate.
While the Congress has criticised the move, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also weighed in, pointing out that her proposal to rename West Bengal as “Bangla” remains pending.
