| Abburi
Varada Rajeswara Rao (1923-1993)
Prominent
poet, critic and educator. On the editorial staff of several literary magazines.
Taught for some time at Univ. Wisconsin, Madison. |
|
|
Harikathaa Pitaamaha,
Ajjada Adibhatla
Narayana Dasu
(1864-1945)
The foremost modern exponent of the literary and performing arts genre "harikatha."
Great musician and scholar of Telugu, Sanskrit and Persian. Principal of Maharaja
Music College, Viziyanagaram. |
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|
Ajanta -Penumarti
Viswanatha Sastry (1922-)
Eminent poet and editor. Made a very big impact on modern Telugu poetry even
though he wrote only a few verses in all his life in a highly individualistic
tone. | 
|
| Akkiraju
Umakantam (1889-1942)
Eminent scholar of Telugu, Sanskrit, English,
etc. Writer. Influenced early Telugu literary criticism. |
|
|
Padakavitaa Pitaamaha,
Harikeertanaacharya,
Tallapaka
Annamacharya (1408-1503)
One of the greatest composers of
South Indian classical tradition. World-class. Wrote more than 32000 compositions
known as 'padam' as well as other major works. More than 14000 have been
discovered to date on copper plate and stone inscriptions. He was the head of
an astonishingly brilliant lineage. Seems to have influenced some other great
composers of that time, e.g., Purandara Dasa. |
|
|
Arudra - Bhagavatula
Siva Sankara Sastry (1925-1998)
Major modern poet, critic, movie lyricist and
literary historian. His "tvamevaaham" and the encyclopedic work on Telugu
literature "samagraamdhra saahityam" are very influential. |
|
| Bapu
- Sattiraju Lakshmi Narayana (1933-)
Eminent painter, cartoonist, movie director, writer, journalist. World class artist.
Uniquely personalized style blending to perfection the classical Telugu lines
and modern techniques. Had an enormous impact on contemporary Telugu arts, movies,
etc. | 
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|
Bhandaru Achchamamba
(1874-1905)
Writer and early pioneer of women's issues. Published a well
known biographical work on prominent national and international women, "abalaa
satcharitra ratnamaala" (1901). |
|
|
Caaso
- Chaganti Somayajulu
(1915-1993)
Eminent writer of short stories and poetry. Although he wrote
sparingly, many of his short stories have been translated into other languages.
His indirect contributions include his influence on his friends such as Sri Sri
and Narayana Babu. He was a long time president of Progressive Writers Association,
arasam. | 
|
| Chellapilla
Venkata Sastry (1870-1950)
Brilliant and highly influential poet
in the classical genre. Prolific literary genius. Trained a large number of famous
writers. The second of the great duo tirupati venkata kavulu. Honoured
as the first poet laureate of Andhra. |
|
|
Chilukuri Narayana
Rao (1890-1952)
Well-known lexicographer, historian and scholar. Published "aandhra Bhaashaa
charitram" (1937) and a revised version of Sankaranarayana's English-Telugu
Dictionary, etc. | 
|
|
Sinaare -
C. Narayana
Reddy (1931-)
Well-known poet,
educator, critic, administrator, and song writer for the movies. For his epic
poem visvambhara in modern style the highest literary award in India j~naanapeetha,
was given to him in 1987. He also produced several other major works, e.g., karpura
vasamta raayalu. | 
|
| Sir
Arthur Cotton (1803-1899)
Perhaps the most beloved western personality
in Telugu history. Knighted. One of the finest civil engineers of 19th
cent. Built the anicut on Godavari at Dhavaleswaram among other things. His irrigation
works and plans transformed the economy of the coastal districts and very strongly
influenced its current domineering position. |
|
| Charles
Philip Brown (1798-1884)
Brilliant scholar of Telugu. Although he
was not an Indian, he was intimately connected with Telugu literature for nearly
sixty years and immensely contributed to its progress. |
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|
Damerla Rama
Rao (1897-1925)
Brilliant artist. Became well-known within a very short life span. Founded
the Andhra School of Art at Rajamundry. There is an art gallery named after him
at Rajamundry today. | 
|
| Divakarla
Tirupati Sastry (1872-1919)
One of the greatest classical poets in
the modern era. Excelled in several genres. The first of the famous duo "tirupati
vemkata kavulu." | 
|
|
Durgabai Deshmukh
(1909-1981)
Eminent freedom fighter, social reformer, educator and leader
of early women's movement | 
|
|
Gora - Goparaju
Ramachandra Rao (1902-1975)
Highly influential thinker and social
reformer. Dedicated his life to developing atheistic thought in Andhra and beyond.
Authored several works. Founded the Atheist Center, Vijayawada. His son lavanam
is also a well-known atheist and thinker. |
|
|
Navayuga Vaitaalikudu,
Gurajada
Venkata Appa Rao Pamtulu
(1862-1915)
Perhaps the greatest modern writer in Telugu. Commands
tremendous respect. Uncompromising intellectual and a social reformer in his own
way. More than any one else's, his works defined the beginning of modern Telugu
drama, poetry and short story. The Kanyasulkam drama and much of his poetry
are world class. His contributions lay not only in the techniques but also in
the refreshing, original and modern outlook and a deep humanistic spirit that
he instilled in Telugu literature. |
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|
Visva daata, Desoddhaaraka,
Kasinathuni
Nageswara Rao
Pamtulu
(1868-1937)
Great philanthropist, scholar, editor, journalist and entrepreneur |
|
|
Mandapaka Parvatriswara
Sastry
(1833-1897)
Brilliant scholar of Sanskrit and Telugu. Authored 23 Satakas, several
maalikas, and kaavyas. Well known for his travelogue yaatraa caritra. |
|
|
Mangalampalli
Balamurali Krishna (1930-)
Brilliant musician in the South Indian
classical style. Perhaps the finest from Andhra in his generation. Composer, vocalist,
and music scholar. | 
|
|
Mutnuri Krishna
Rao (1879-1945)
Great editor and journalist. His Krishna Patrika
was instrumental in shaping the Telugu Literary scene for four decades beginning
1907. | 
|
| Uyyalavada
Narasimha Reddy
(d. 1847)
Led one of the first popular revolts in all of India against
British occupation | 
|
|
Nataraja Ramakrishna
(1933-)
Very influential dancer, scholar and writer on Telugu dance
forms. Single handedly revived the forgotten art form "aamdhra naatyam."
Although he was born in Bali, his service to Telugu, his ancestral language and
its culture is very meritorious. |
|
|
Oleti Parvatisam
(1882-1955)
Pioneering modern writer. The second of the famous duo "vemkata
paarvateesvara kavulu." Authored major kavyas, children's literature and novels.
Produced several translations. |
|
|
Jaateeya Pataaka
Nirmaata,
Pingali
Venkayya (1887-1963)
Freedom fighter. Great follower of Mahatma Gandhi.
Designed the tricolour -the Indian national flag. |
|
|
Amara Veerudu,
Potti Sriramulu
(1901-1952)
Freedom fighter. Led the popular movement to unite Telugu
speaking people under a single government and martyred himself in the process.
His act of "Satyagraha" directly led to the eastablishment "Linguistic states"
in modern India. | 
|
|
Andhra Kesari,
Tanguturi
Prakasam
Pamtulu
(1872-1957)
One of the greatest freedom fighters of India, eminent leader and administrator.
Chief minister of Madras Presidency and the first chief minister of Andhra. |
|
|
Chandra Rajeswara
Rao (1915-1994)
Freedom fighter, eminent socialist, long time general
secretary of the communist party of India |
|
|
Swami Ramananda
Tirtha (?-?)
Freedom fighter. He and other prominent communist and
non-communist leaders led the free Telangana movement. |
|
|
Telamgaanaa Poru
Bidda
Ravi Narayana
Rao (1908-1991)
Eminent freedom fighter, philanthropist, reformer, and parliamentarian. Spear
headed liberation of Telangana movement. Founding member of the communist party
of India. | 
|
|
Alluri Sitarama
Raju (1897-1924)
Fearless freedom fighter. Led the most famous armed
revolt in Telugu history against the British occupation |
|
|
Kamyunishtu Gandhi,
Puchchalapalli
Sundarayya
(1913-1985)
Great freedom fighter, social reformer and parliamentarian.
Led communist movements in Andhra and beyond for many decades. |
|
|
Tenneti Viswanatham
(1895-1979)
Freedom fighter, parliamentarian, leader and administrator.
Close associate of Tanguturi Prakasam. |
|
|
Naada Brahma,
Kaakarla Tyaaga Raju (1767-1847)
Perhaps the most famous
of all the South Indian composers. Part of the great trio of Carnatic music. Great
writer. Devotee of Lord Rama. He has a very large lineage of brilliant pupils
(Sishya Parampara). Greatly praised and revered as a saint. Hailed
as "on whose art no human hand can improve!" |
|
|
Vedantam Satyanarayana
Sarma (1927?-?)
Famous exponent of
the Kuchipudi style dance drama. Well-known for his portrayal of female roles,
e.g., satya bhaama in bhaamaa kalaapam. Influenced several other
artists. |
|
|
Telugu Chaitanyodyama
Saarathi,
Kandukuri
Viresalingam
Pamtulu
(1848-1919)
One of the most brilliant and profoundly influential writers in Telugu. One
of the greatest social reformers of 19th century India. |
|
|
Vecheru Narayana
Rao (1932-)
Eminent literary critic
and educator. Krishnadevaraya Professor of Languages and Cultures of Asia, Univ.
of Wisconsin, Madison. Produced several well-known translations of medieval Telugu
poetry in English. Collaborated with many western scholars. His seminal work "telugulo
kavitaa viplavaala svarupam" is highly influential. |
|
|
Vempati China Satyam (1930?-)
Eminent
dancer, scholar and dance composer in the Kuchipudi style. Founded the
Kuchipudi Art Academy, Madras and a trained several top performers. |
|
| Kavi
Samraat,
Visvanatha
Satyanarayana (1890-1976)
The greatest
classical style writer in modern times. A literary institution all by himself.
His work and personality invoked just about every superlative (positive as well
as negative) from various critics. Prolific writer and critic. Eminent educator.
Significantly contributed to many diverse literary genres . Received India's highest
literary award j~naanapeetha for his raamaayana kalpa vruksham.
His novels such as veyi padagalu are equally famous. |
|
Nandamuri
Taraka Rama Rao (28 May 1923 – 18 January 1996)
More
commonly known as N.T. Rama Rao, NTR, or Anna garu, was a film actor, director,
producer and a Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh. His repertoire of films included
mythological, social and folk themes. He was awarded the Padma Sree by the government
of India in the 1960s, recognizing his contribution to the Telugu cinema. After
his film career, N.T. Ramarao became a political activist and party leader.
He was born in Nimmakuru, Krishna District, Andhra Pradesh. He graduated with
a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Andhra-Christian College of Guntur, Andhra
Pradesh. He later received an honorary doctorate from Andhra University.
| |
Tripuraneni
Ramaswamy Choudary
Tripuraneni Ramaswamy Choudary was —
a solicitor by profession, a scholar by choice and a social reformer by requirement.
In the 19th Century blind customs and conventions in the name of religion were
observed. Social evils like the dowry system and untouchability were widespread.
It is surprising that Tripuraneni born in a humble agricultural family, went to
study law in Dublin, came back to India and decided to devote his life to reforming
age-old, meaningless traditions that have become like cobwebs in men's brains.
While many others of his time were busy making themselves wealthy in the legal
profession, Tripuraneni was occupied with the freedom movement against the British
and with introducing new thought into his society. His pen became his sword and
he wrote a number of literary works to show that old Puranas were misleading men
and leading them into intellectual darkness. Money was being wasted on
weddings. He changed the Telugu wedding invitation, which was referred to as Vivaaha
patrika (matrimonial document) to a simpler Pendli pilupu (marriage invitation).
The marriage mantras and muhurtams were also changed according to the convenience
of the bride and bridegroom's families and marriage vows were made in Telugu rather
than in Sanskrit, which noone understood. Such changes were not easily acceptable
and in spite of opposition, Tripuraneni was able to establish a system in social
festivals and functions, which was followed by the progressive youth of those
days. Sacrifice of animals and caste system in the name of religion was also questioned
and people were made to realise their mistakes and correct them which they did.
His writings contributed to his deeds and the educated who read them were ready
to reform themselves. This great man passed away in 1943. A stamp was released
on his birth centenary. This year (January 15) marks the 117th year of Tripuraneni
Ramaswamy's birth. | |
