Language of Andhra Pradesh | APPSC State Specific Preparation Course - APPSC (Andhra Pradesh) PDF Download

Introduction

Telugu is a highly developed language and the largest linguistic group in India after Hindi. It has evolved distinctly from other South Indian languages such as Kannada, Tamil, and Malayalam. Serving as the state language of Andhra Pradesh, Telugu boasts of ancient origins, dating back to at least the 1st century AD, and possibly even earlier, as evidenced by mentions of the Andhras in ancient texts like the Vedas from around 700 BC. While early inscriptions in Telugu can be traced back to the 6th century, its formal literary tradition began about five centuries later. The Telugu script, which bears similarities to Kannada, took its present form around 1000 AD, evolving from the Pallava script that originated in the 7th century.

History of Telugu

• Most of Telugu literature began with translations from Sanskrit, with Nannayabhatta being the first poet to translate the Mahabharata in the 11th century. However, Nannayabhatta couldn't complete the translation, and it was later continued by Thikkana and Yerrapragada in the 13th and 14th centuries, respectively. These three poets, known as the kavitraya or 'the three great poets' of Telugu, made significant contributions to literature through their translations and original works.
• Subsequent to these translations, original works began to emerge towards the end of the 14th century. Notable works during this period include Srinatha’s Sringara Naishadha, Potana’s Dasamaskandha, Jakkana’s Vikramarka Charitra, and Talapaka Himmakka’s Subhadra Kalyana. The 16th century marked a golden age in Telugu literature, led by King Sri Krishna Deva Raya, who introduced the prabandha genre in his Amukta Malyada. Allasani Peddana, one of the Ashtadiggajas in the king's court, is revered as the 'Grandfather of Andhra Poetry.'
• While the 18th to mid-19th centuries saw a decline in poetry, other genres like Yakshagana dramas flourished. Tyagaraya of Tanjore composed devotional songs that became part of classical ragas in South India. Modern Telugu literature began to take shape in the late 18th century, influenced by English and Bengali literature. Viresalingam Pantulu wrote the first Telugu novel, Rajashekharacharitramu.
• In the early 20th century, literary groups like Sahiti Samiti emerged, advocating for progressive and rationalist literature. Writers like Tirupati Venkata Kavulu and Sripada Krishnamurthy Shastry continued traditional styles, while others embraced neo-classicism. Today, Telugu literature encompasses various forms like drama, novels, short stories, essays, and criticism, maintaining high standards of literary achievement.

Literature

Literature 1

• Telugu literature finds its origins in the early 11th century, particularly with the translation of a portion of the Mahabharata by Nannaya, who served as the poet laureate in the court of Rajarajanarendra of Rajahmahendravaram (now Rajahmundry). Although Nannaya only completed the first two and a portion of the third parva out of the 18 parvas of the epic, his translation holds significant importance. Thikkana, in the 13th century, continued and completed the remaining portion, with Erraprgada later filling in a small gap after Nannaya. This Telugu Mahabharata, spanning over three centuries, is a blend of prose and verse, representing a timeless work.
• The Mahabharata writers, collectively known as the kavitrayam or trinity in early Telugu literature, paved the way for literary excellence. Additionally, Palkuri Somanatha, in the 12th century, composed the Saivite treatise Basava puranam in Dwipada, influenced by Sanskrit classics. Nannechoda contributed Kumara Sambhava, inspired by Sanskrit literature. Though arriving relatively late in Telugu literature, Ramayana and Ranganatha Ramayana, along with Tikkana’s Uttara Rama Charitra, are noteworthy.
• Srinatha, often compared to Byron, emerged in the 15th century with his historical classic Palnati veera charitra. His contemporary Potana, inspired by divine guidance, devoutly rendered the great Bhagavata Purana, emphasizing his divine inspiration. Potana's Bhagavata, revolving around Lord Krishna, remains popular among scholars and the general populace in Andhra Pradesh to this day, a testament to his enduring popularity.

Literature 2

• Krishna Devaraya's famous declaration, "Desabhashalandu Telugu lessa," marked a significant turning point in Telugu literature, heralding his reign as its golden age. This period witnessed the emergence of original Telugu writings, particularly in the form of prabandhas. Literary luminaries like Allasani Peddana, Molla, Pingali Suranna, and Ramaraja Bhushana produced notable works such as Manucharitra, Ramayana, Kalapoornodaya, and Vasu Charitra respectively. Sataka, a unique literary form rich in wisdom and mysticism, also gained prominence during this era, with Vemana excelling as a poet of the people in this genre.
• Subsequently, the Southern School of Telugu Literature flourished under the Nayaka Kings in the 17th century, particularly in Tanjore. Alongside, indigenous literary forms like Yakshagana and folklore gained popularity, often sung by women during festive occasions. However, the onslaught of Muslim invasions and subsequent political subjugation under various foreign rulers, including the Dutch, French, Portuguese, and British, led to a rapid decline in Telugu literature. Literary output during the 18th and mid-19th centuries was sparse, according to some estimates.

Literature 3

• Prompted by political awakening in the latter half of the nineteenth century, a new era dawned in Telugu literature with a focus on prose writings. Figures like Gidugu Venkata Ramamurty and Gurazada Apparao (author of "Kanyasulkam") revolutionized the literary landscape by establishing strong prose traditions using the spoken form of Telugu. This period, often termed as a renaissance, was influenced by English literature and thought. Kandukuri Veeresalingam (1848-1919), for instance, penned "Rajasekhara Charitra" based on Goldsmith's "The Vicar of Wakefield," a renowned English author's work.
• Additionally, unique forms of Telugu literary traditions like avadhanam, literary acrobatics mastered by Tirupati Sastry and Venkata Sastry, and asukavita, extempore versification, flourished. These forms adhered to rigid metrical standards.
• Amidst the traditional school of letters, a free school of lyricists emerged, characterized by a romantic vein and a strong foundation of progressivism. Writers like Devulaplli Venkata Krishna Sastry bridged the transition from classical to modern schools. By the early 1940s, figures like Sri Sri (Srirangam Srinivasa Rao) and Pattabhi Narayanababu led the progressive group, passing on their tradition of thought to subsequent poets like Arudra, Tilak Dasaradhi, and Narayanareddi.
• More recent trends in Telugu literature veered towards existentialism, with the emergence of the Digambara school in 1966. The advent of cinema further utilized the talents of fiction writers, poets, and playwrights for scriptwriting.
• Non-fiction writing also witnessed growth, expanding beyond textbook production to encompass books on history, science, and journalism. Pioneers in Telugu journalism, such as Mutnuri Krishna Rao and Kasinadhuni Nageswararao, founded influential publications like "Krishna Patrika" (1902) and "Andhra Patrika" (1912). Efforts to disseminate knowledge on an organized scale were also undertaken by institutions like Vijnanachandrika Grandha Mandali, which produced science books and encyclopedias.
• Various literary organizations, such as Andhra Sahitya Parishad in Kakinada and Andhra Pradesh Sahitya Akademi, played a vital role in promoting literature. Additionally, regional associations like Navya Sahitya Parishad in Hyderabad and Visakha Writers Association in Visakhapatnam contributed to fostering the local writers' community.

Visual Arts

• Some of the earliest paintings attributed to the Andhras can be found in Ajanta caves No. 9 & 10, dating back nearly 2000 years. These paintings depict the Buddhist ideal of universal love, portraying vivid scenes of both men and beasts. Utilizing lines to express form and counters, the paintings exhibit a unique blend of sculptural and human forms, characterized by animated movement and elongated proportions. Examples of Andhra art can also be seen in sites like Amaravati and Nagarjuna Konda from the early Christian era. 
• The Kakatiya sculptures in the thousand pillar temple in Hanamakonda, dating back to the 12th century, reflect an elegant treatment reminiscent of the earlier Chalukyan style of architecture. During the Vijayanagar Period, monumental structures were erected at places like Hampi and Tadipatri in the 13th to 16th centuries, with Lepakshi near Hindupur serving as another example of classical Andhra art forms from the 16th century.
• In more recent times, artists like Damerla Ramarao, inspired by Couldray in 1919, and Adivi Bapiraju, influenced by Pramod Kumar Chatterjee, have made significant contributions to Andhra art. Notable architectural influences can be seen in Hyderabad city, with structures like Charminar and Osmania University showcasing Saracenic elements.
• Among contemporary painters of Andhra origin, individuals like Paidiraju of Vizianagaram, Mokkapati Krishnamurty, H.V. Ramgopal of Madras, and others have gained recognition. Artists such as Pilaka Lakshmi Narasimhamurty, K. Srinivasulu, Koduru Ramamurti, P.T Reddy of Hyderabad, and M. Reddappa Naidu of E.G. District are also noteworthy. S.V. Ramarao, who was awarded the Lord Croft prize in England in 1965, brought honor to Andhra Pradesh with his artistic achievements.