The Telugu people are a larger, handsomer, and more robust race. The tall forms, drooping (yet broad) shoulders, and regular Circassian features are in strong and favourable contrasts to the general make of all Dravidians. They are of a free and independent spirit, very zealous for caste as far as they do observe it. Traditionally Telugu people are very faithful and submissive to lawful authority. The Telugus, partly Aryan and partly non - Aryan, follow outwardly the brahmanical teachings, though adhering to many unorthodox rites, are a sober and staid people. They are a very energetic and enterprising race known for their self-reliance. The earliest mention of the Andhras is said to be in Aitereya Brahmana (2000 BC). Regular history of Andhra Desa, according to historians, begins with 236 BC, the year of Ashoka’s death. During the following centuries, Satavahanas, Sakas, Ikshvakus, Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiyas ruled the Telugu country. Other dynasties which ruled over the area in succession were the kingdoms of Vijayanagar and Qutub Shahi followed by Mir Qumruddin and his successors, known as the Nizams. Gradually, from the 17th century onwards, the British annexed territories of the Nizam and constituted the single province of Madras. After Independence, Telugu-speaking areas were separated from the composite Madras Presidency and a new Andhra State came into being on 1 October 1953.
Andhra Pradesh is bound on the north by Orissa and Madhya Pradesh, on the west by Maharashtra and Karnataka, on the south by Tamil Nadu and on the east by the Bay of Bengal, with a coastline of 974 km. These volumes provide an extended introduction to the Telugus. Arranged thematically this work provides a glimpse into their History, Culture, Traditions, Literature, and Politics. It fills a long-felt demand for a general introduction to the Telugus. |
