Early 8th Century Telugu Inscription | 28 Jan 2026

Source: TH 

A rare early 8th-century CE Telugu inscription has been discovered at Pitikayagulla, Andhra Pradesh, offering crucial insights into the early evolution of the Telugu language and epigraphy. 

• Written in early Telugu script and language, the inscription is vital for tracing the transition of Telugu from Prakrit influence to an independent administrative and literary language. 
• The inscription contains the text “Svastisri Nandelu Vari, Chensinavanthu Prani, Milli Achari” and “Padasina Nava Katta”, which epigraphists interpret as recording the construction of a new embankment (nava katta).  
  • It attributes the work to Pranimilli Achari, a sculptor or craftsman. It is believed to belong to the Renadu region under royal administration, though the ruling king is not named in the record. 
• Telugu: It is one of the most widely spoken languages of the Dravidian family, with over 130 million speakers across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, other parts of India, and abroad.  
  • Linguistically, it is believed that Proto-Dravidian split into sub-families around 5000 years ago, with Telugu emerging as an independent language by about the 10th century BCE.  
    • While Telugu shares strong cultural links with Tamil and Kannada, it is genetically closer to the Central Dravidian languages.  
  • The earliest known Telugu inscriptions, dating to about 575 CE, are attributed to the Renati Cholas and were discovered at Kalamalla and Erragudipadu of Andhra Pradesh, marking an important milestone in the evolution of the Telugu language. 
  • The recorded history of Telugu begins around 200 BCE, with its antiquity traced through place names and personal names found in Prakrit and Sanskrit inscriptions. 
  • Telugu is included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and was accorded the status of a Classical Language by the Government of India in 2008.