Why is it in the news?
→ Rare early 8th-century CE Telugu inscription discovered at Pitikayagulla, Andhra Pradesh.
→ Provides key evidence on evolution of Telugu language and epigraphy.
Category
History
Important Points
- Written in early Telugu script and language.
- Records construction of a new embankment (“nava katta”).
- Attributes work to Pranimilli Achari, a sculptor/craftsman.
- Belongs to Renadu region under royal administration (king unnamed).
- Shows transition from Prakrit influence to independent Telugu administrative language.
- Telugu has over 130 million speakers.
- Earliest Telugu inscriptions (~575 CE) linked to Renati Cholas at Kalamalla and Erragudipadu.
- Telugu was included in Eighth Schedule and declared Classical Language in 2008.