Telugu people were also known by the name ‘Andhras’ in the Northern Parts of India in the ancient times. The earliest reference to ‘Andhras’ as a distinct race dates back to ‘Aitareya Brahmana’ (1000 B.C). This reference proves beyond any doubt that Telugus / Andhras are one of the ancient races who inhabited this great country.

In the famous Indian epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha reference was made to Andhras on several occasions. Besides, the well known ancient Dharmasastra ‘Manusmruti’ mentions ‘Andhras’.  The Natyasastra of Bharatha (1^st Century B.C.) also mentioned ‘Andhra’ race.

There were also foreign scholars / diplomats who visited India during ancient times and wrote about Telugu people. For example, the Greek Ambassador Megasthanese in his treatise ‘Indica’ makes a vivid description of the military might of Andhras and states that they were only second to the ‘Mauryas’ who were reigning emperors. Pleiny, a historian form the same country also confirms the strength of Andhras.

In the famous literary work in Prakrit ‘Gathasaptasati’ compiled by an Andhra (Satavahana) king ‘Haala’ (200 B.C.), we find plenty of Telugu words which show the independent existence of Telugu Language and its literary interaction with the contemporary Prakrit languages.

From early 200 BC to 700 AD several Sanskrit and Prakrit inscriptions are available wherein we find a number of Telugu words. Hence, it is obvious that Telugu language was in existence even before 200 BC.

The First Telugu Inscription, known as Erragudipadu Sasanam was engraved in the 6^th century A.D. in the present Kadapa District. The  ‘Addanki’ inscription of 9^th century and Yuddhamalla’s Bejavada inscription of the later part of 9^th century A.D. exhibit remarkable literary flavour proving the fact that the literary activity and the tradition flourished much before the actually available literary texts.

In this great historical background, comes the Mahabharatha of Nannaya written in the 11^th century A.D. At the behest of the then ruler Rajarajanarendra, Nannaya started the composition of the Epic which was completed in the following centuries by other two eminent poets. Since then it has been an uninterrupted and glorious tradition of literary creation spanning over more than one thousand years.

Telugu Language came into existence over 2000 years ago. It has a long literary tradition and has acquired tremendous respect and patronage from various  contemporary rulers, scholar-poets and visiting dignitaries from time to time. With this background it is appropriate to say that such a language be given its due status by recognizing as a ‘Classical Language’.