Telugu people

Om

Map of the Satavahanas

Map of the Kakatiyas

Vijayanagara-empire-map

A Kuchipudi dance by two Hindu girls

Amaravati Stupa relief at Museum

Telugu people are a Dravidian ethnic group from the Indian subcontinent, primarily residing in the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They speak Telugu, which is a Dravidian language. With a population of over 75 million, they are the third largest ethnic group in India. Telugu people have a rich cultural heritage that includes a history of literature, arts, music, cuisine, and cinema.

History

The history of the Telugu people dates back to the Vedic period, with evidence of Telugu language found in early inscriptions dating back to the 1st century AD. The region known as Andhra has been mentioned in Sanskrit texts and has played a significant role in the history of South India. During the medieval period, the Telugu region saw the rise of powerful dynasties such as the Eastern Chalukyas, Kakatiya Dynasty, Vijayanagara Empire, and others, which contributed significantly to the region's culture and politics.

Language and Literature

Telugu language is known for its rich literary tradition, dating back to the 11th century with works like the Mahabharata by Nannaya. It has a vast body of classical literature that includes poetry, drama, and philosophical works. Telugu literature flourished under the patronage of various dynasties, with notable poets like Annamacharya, Kshetrayya, and Tyagaraja contributing to its growth.

Culture

Telugu culture is a blend of traditional practices and modern influences. It is known for its classical music, dance forms such as Kuchipudi, and unique festivals like Sankranti, Ugadi, and Deepavali. Telugu cuisine is diverse and includes a variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, characterized by its use of spices and flavors.

Cinema

The Telugu people have a significant presence in Indian cinema, particularly in Tollywood, the Telugu-language film industry. Tollywood is one of the largest film industries in India, producing a significant number of films annually. It has contributed many notable actors, directors, and technicians to Indian cinema.

Diaspora

The Telugu diaspora is spread across the globe, with significant populations in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and the Middle East. They have established various cultural organizations abroad to promote Telugu language and culture.

Notable Personalities

The Telugu people have contributed many notable personalities to various fields such as politics, arts, science, and sports. Some prominent figures include P. V. Narasimha Rao, former Prime Minister of India; Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft; and Sania Mirza, an internationally acclaimed tennis player.

See Also

• Andhra Pradesh
• Telangana
• Dravidian peoples
• Languages of India
• Cinema of South India