Rajashekhara Charitra is considered to be the first Telugu novel, written by Kandukuri Veeresalingam in 1892. It is a historical romance that tells the story of King Rajashekhara, who ruled the Vengi kingdom in the 4th century AD.



The novel begins with the birth of Rajashekhara to King Ammaraja and Queen Varalakshmi. Rajashekhara grows up to be a brave and just king, loved by his people. He falls in love with a beautiful princess named Kalavati, but their marriage is opposed by her father, King Bhima. The story then follows the trials and tribulations faced by Rajashekhara and Kalavati as they try to overcome the obstacles in their path.



Rajashekhara Charitra is an important work in Telugu literature as it marks the beginning of the modern Telugu novel. It challenged the prevailing social norms and addressed issues such as caste discrimination, women's rights, and the need for education. The novel also introduced a new style of writing, which was both simple and easy to understand. It paved the way for other writers to experiment with new forms of literature and contributed to the growth of Telugu language and culture.



In conclusion, Rajashekhara Charitra is a significant work in Telugu literature and an important milestone in the development of modern Telugu novel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Telugu culture and history.