A question in Keralam: What’s in an ‘m’?

Six or seven centuries ago, scholars in India were wrestling with the history of Dravidian languages. This subject was politically charged at the time. A Sanskrit text called Lilatilakam made an erroneous claim, stating that the "Kerala bhasha," along with the "Pandya" and "Chola" languages, belonged to the broader "Dravidian" category.

This marked the first recorded assertion of linguistic identity for Kerala, placing it on par with literary Tamil. Now, in another instance of linguistic assertion, the state of Kerala is poised to become Keralam, the name traditionally used in Malayalam. Both houses of Parliament have endorsed a bill following two resolutions from the Kerala Assembly, effectively correcting an inconsistency.

The official name of a state established on a linguistic basis should ideally reflect that language. However, the origin of the term is debatable, as it may stem from a form of "Chera," a Tamil dynasty that once ruled the area. Debates about originality might persist, but it is the current political climate that often prevails. Beyond these political and emotional factors, there are practical implications: rebranding will incur expenses, and institutions and establishments might need new names if the state decides to proceed.

The elected government will ultimately decide these matters, but it is worth pondering: What is the significance of the letter 'm' in Keralam?