Telugu language
Telugu is a Dravidian language native to the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it is also the official language.
- Language family
- Dravidian (South Dravidian-II)
- Native to
- India (Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and minority populations in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands)
- Official status
- Official language in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; one of the twenty-two scheduled languages of India; protected language in South Africa
- Classical language status
- Designated as a classical language by the Government of India
- Earliest attested words
- c. 4th century BCE in Prakrit inscriptions at Bhattiprolu, Andhra Pradesh
- Literary tradition
- Unbroken, prolific, and diverse literary tradition of over a thousand years
Lore & Background
Andronov. The earliest Telugu words appear in Prakrit inscriptions dating to c. 4th century BCE, found in Bhattiprolu, Andhra Pradesh. An earlier Telugu label inscription 'tolacuvānḍru,' found near Keesaragutta Temple, dates to the Vishnukundina Period (c. Inscriptions in Old Telugu script were found as far away as Indonesia and Myanmar.
Reader's Guide
It was also adopted as an official language by non-Telugu dynasties, such as the Thanjavur Marathas in Tamil Nadu. In the precolonial era, Telugu became the language of high culture throughout South India, with Vijaya Ramaswamy comparing its dominance to that of French as the cultural language of Europe. Telugu predominates in the evolution of Carnatic music, one of two main subgenres of Indian classical music, and is widely taught in music colleges focusing on Carnatic tradition. Pavuluri Mallana's Sāra Sangraha Ganitamu (c. 11th century) is the first scientific treatise on mathematics in any Dravidian language. Avadhānaṃ, a literary performance requiring immense memory and in-depth knowledge of literature and prosody, originated and was specially cultivated among Telugu poets for over five centuries.
Did You Know?
- Telugu is the fastest-growing language in the United States.
- It is one of the few languages that has primary official status in more than one Indian state, alongside Hindi and Bengali.
- The earliest Telugu words appear in Prakrit inscriptions dating to c. 4th century BCE, found in Bhattiprolu, Andhra Pradesh.
- Telugu is offered as an optional third language in schools in KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Telugu language?
Telugu is a South Dravidian language rooted in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, where it serves as the official language. It is the most widely spoken member of the entire Dravidian language family.
What are Telugu language's powers and special status?
Telugu holds the distinction of being designated a classical language by the Government of India, reflecting a documented literary history of at least two millennia. It also enjoys protected-language status in South Africa.
Where does Telugu language's story take place?
Telugu is native to Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, with additional speaker communities in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Puducherry, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
How does Telugu language's story begin?
The earliest known Telugu words survive in Prakrit inscriptions carved at Bhattiprolu in Andhra Pradesh, dating to approximately the 4th century BCE.
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