Gunadhya wrote the "Brihatkatha", which is considered the first known poem-story of the Telugu region. He composed it in the Paisachi Prakrit language. He belonged to the 1st Century A.D. Historians believe that he lived in the Paithan region. He was a court poet of Hala, the Satavahana ruler. The original text is not available today; it survives only in the form of translations into Sanskrit. Its Sanskrit translations are: Brihatkatha Sloka Sangraham (by Somadevasuri), Katha Saritsagaram (by Somadevasuri), and Brihatkatha Manjari (by Kshemendra).

410 - 435 A.D.: The Toluchuvandru rock inscription found at Keesaragutta temple in Medchal-Malkajgiri is said to be dated between 410 and 435 AD and is believed to be the first recorded Telugu inscription.

575 A.D.: The Kalamalla inscription unearthed on the premises of Chennakesava-Siddeshwara temple at Kalamalla village in Yerraguntla Mandal, Kadapa district (Andhra Pradesh) is written entirely in the Telugu language and was put up by the Renati Chola King Erikal Mutthuraju.

Pampa was the court poet of Arikesari II (930 – 955 AD), the Chalukya king of Vemulawada. Arikesari II asked Pampa to write an epic to immortalize him. Within one year, Pampa created Kannada's greatest epic ‘Vikramarjuna Vijaya’, also known as ‘Pampa Bharatha’. Arikesari II was greatly pleased and bestowed upon him the honorific ‘Kavithagunarnava’ and also gifted him an agrahara called Dharmapura.

Pampa's samadhi (grave) was discovered in 1970 in the town of Bodhan, Nizamabad district. It is now lying in a neglected condition in the town’s Basavataraka Nagar. His books include Adi Purana and Vikramarjuna Vijaya (Pampa Bharatha).

Pampa had a younger brother named Jinavallabha. He installed the idols of Chakreshwari and other Jain deities on a hill called Vrishabhadri, north of Dharmapura. He built a basadi named Tribhuvana Tilaka and created a garden called Madanavilasa. At the bottom of the hill he constructed a lake and named it ‘Kavithagunarnava’ as a tribute to his brother. Finally he inscribed all his deeds on a rock below the idol of Chakreshwari. This inscription is of utmost importance to Kannada and Telugu languages. It is written in three languages: Kannada, Telugu and Sanskrit. The Kannada portion contains invaluable information about Pampa. The Telugu portion is the oldest Telugu Kanda Padya. These are one of the important historical evidences submitted to the Centre for securing classical language status to Telugu.

The hill Vrishabhadri is now called Bommalamma Gutta, situated near Kurikyal village, Gangadhara mandal in Karimnagar District of Telangana State.

Telugu language poet and writer who lived around 940 A.D. in present-day Vemulawada, Telangana. He wrote the first Telugu prosody (chandassu) book called Kavijanasrayam or Kavijanasryamu. There seems to be an even earlier prosody book by Rechanna’s guru Vaadindra Chudamani, which is not available.

Ponna had other aliases: Ponniga, Ponnamaya, Savana (a Jaina monk) and Kurugula Savana (a fair with frizzy hair). He held many titles: Kavaichakravarthi, Ubhaya Kavichakravarthi (imperial poet of two languages), Saujanya Kandnakura and Sarvadeva Kavindra. He authored the Telugu poem Adi Puranam. He is also said to have translated into Telugu the Virataparva from the Mahabharata.

Somadeva Suri composed Yashodhara-charita (or Yashas-tilaka-champu, c. 959), a Jain literature work written in Sanskrit during the reign of Vemulawada Chalukya Vagaraja (c. 955 – c. 960 AD) at Gangadhara town. He held the titles of Syadvadacalasimha, Tarikachakravarthi, Vadibhapanchana, Vakkakkolapayonidhi and Kavikularaja. He authored numerous works in Sanskrit including Yasastilaka, Nitivakyamira, Sannavatiprakarna and Yuktichintamanisutra.

The Parbhani plates dated A.D. 966, issued by King Arikesari III (c. 965 – c. 973 AD) of Vemulawada, register a gift of the village of Kuttum vritti Venikatupalu in the midst of Repaka-twelve in the Sabbi-thousand to the famous Jain divine Somdadeva Suri for the white-washing, repairs, etc. to Subhadhama Jinalaya at Vemulawada. A pillar inscription lying in a field near the middle school, dated A.D. 968, reveals that Repaka was a Jain centre with a Jinalaya built by King Arikesari III. The names of Kama, Rama, Tukkaya, Revana and Kommayya etc., belonging to Srimadvittakula Jain family, are found in the epigraph.

Vadiraja, author of Yashodhara Charita, and Pushpasena (the teacher of Vadibhasimha, author of Gadyachintamani) were both disciples of Somadeva Suri.

A noted poet from Vemulawada, Bhimakavi is remembered in the literary traditions of Telangana.

Son of Gopinatha and Jakkamamba. A profound scholar of Advaita philosophy and a staunch devotee of Siva. He served as the preceptor (guru) of Kakatiya Prataparudra I (r. 1163–1195 CE). He is recognized as one of the five major Acharyas of the Veerashaiva tradition.

Nitisara is a Telugu work dealing with taxes and trade during the period of Kakatiya Rudradeva (1158 – 1195 AD). It follows the Sanskrit Sukranitisara in some respects. This book gives information about economic conditions existing in Telangana around the 12th century.

Maha Kavi Palkuriki Somanatha lived in Palakurthi between 1160 AD and 1240 AD. He was one of the most noted Telugu language writers of the 13th century, also an accomplished writer in Kannada and Sanskrit. His popular writings in Telugu are Basava Purana and Panditaradhya Charitra.

Basava Purana is a 13th-century Telugu epic poem and a sacred text of Lingayatism. It narrates the life story of philosopher and social reformer Basava (1134–1196 CE), the founder of Lingayatism. Somanatha was a rebel poet who wrote in original Telugu (Janu Telugu), neglecting the grammatical rules prescribed by Nannaya, the ‘Aadikavi’. Janu Telugu has minimal Sanskrit diction and can be easily understood by commoners. Before Somanatha, there was no single poetic work in Telugu on contemporary social events. He wrote ‘Basava Puranam’ in ‘Janu Telugu’ in Dwipada (two-lined verse) with the inspiration of Veerasaivism. It was translated into Kannada.

Panditaradhya Charitamu is a biography of the Shaiva preacher Panditaradhya, giving religious perspective of that period.

Sivayogasaramu is a contemporary Telugu Shaiva work written by Kolanu Ganapatideva. It gives the history of the Induluri chiefs who served the Kakatiyas from Ganapatideva's period.

Nrittaratnavali is a work in Sanskrit written by Jaya Senapathi, the general and minister of Ganapatideva. It is a lakshana grantha on dance and dramaturgy, describing the principles of various styles of nritta and natya. It is helpful in understanding the art of dance in Telangana during 1199–1262 AD.

Nitisastramukthavali is a popular collection of morals written by Baddena, a Telugu poet. The topics discussed include the king, ministers, forts, defense of the kingdom, anarchy, evils of unloyal servants, and general ethics.

Prataparudriyam or Prataparudra Yasobhushanam was written by Vidyanadha, a Sanskrit poet and rhetorician of the court of Kakatiya Prataparudra II of Warangal (1289–1323). A commentary on this book was written by Kolachala Kumaraswami, son of the renowned commentator Kolachala Malliratha Suri. This book gives historical perspective of the Kakatiya period.

Ranganatha Ramayanam was a pioneering work in the Telugu language written by Gona Budha Reddy on the theme of the Ramayana epic. Most scholars believe he wrote it between 1300 and 1310 A.D., possibly with help from his family.

The following poets and writers are recorded from this period: Srikantha Krishnamacharyulu, Marana, Hulakki Bhaskara, Mallikarjuna Bhattu, Kumara Rudradeva, Sakarya Ayyalarya, Madiki Singana.

Pothana is the first Indian poet who translated the Bhagavata Purana from Sanskrit into his mother-tongue Telugu. He was a Telugu and Sanskrit scholar. His work Maha Bhagavatamu is popularly called Pothana Bhagavatam in Telugu. Pothana was born at Bammera Village, Palakurthy Mandal, Jangaon District in Telangana State. His books include Bhogini Dandakamu, Virabhadhra Vijayamu, Narayana Satakamu, and Bhagawatamu.

Mallinatha Suri was an eminent critic who wrote commentaries on five mahakavyas (great compositions) of Sanskrit. He is said to have received the titles of Mahamahopadyaya and Vyakhyana Chakravarti. He lived during the reigns of Rachakonda king Singabhupala and Vijayanagara king Deva Raya I. Based on inscriptions, it is estimated that he lived between 1350-1450 AD. His Sanjivani commentary on Meghasandesa is the most popular one. He was also a poet, though his creative compositions are less known.

Kridabhiramamu is a Telugu book of about 300 verses. Some scholars attribute it to Vinukonda Vallabharaya, others to the famous poet Srinatha (both belonging to 14th-15th century). The subject matter is the conversation between two friends, Manchanna Sarma and Tittabhasetti, about various topics they come across while wandering the capital of Orugallu. This book gives information about urban life during the Kakatiya period.

Other literary figures from this period include: Gourana, Pillalamarri Pinaveerabhadrudu, Koravi Goparaju, Haribhattu, Charigonda Dharmanna, Kandukuri Rudrakavi, Addanki Gangadharakavi, Ponnekanti Telaganna, Saranagu Tammayaa, Marimganti Singaracharyulu, Surabhi Madhavarayalu, Elakuchi Balasaraswati, Kakanuri Appakavi.

Quli Qutb Shah (1580–1611) was a scholar of Arabic, Persian and Telugu languages. He wrote poetry in Urdu, Persian, and Telugu. He had the distinction of being the first Saheb-e-dewan Urdu poet and is credited with introducing a new sensibility into prevailing genres of Persian/Urdu poetry.

This is a work in Telugu prose written by Ekamranatha during the 16th century. It contains traditional accounts of irrelevant and superstitious beliefs.

This is a Telugu dvipada type of verse written by Sarvappa of the 17th century. It contains traditional accounts of irrelevant and superstitious beliefs.

Written by Isami, a contemporary of Muhammad bin Tughluq, this work narrates the tale of how Prataparudra was defeated by Muslim armies.

Dasarathi Satakam is a Telugu Bhakti Satakam, a popular form of Telugu poetry. It was written by Kancharla Gopanna during the 17th century. It consists of 104 poems. The makutam for all the poems ends with "dASarathee karuNApayOnidhee!" (O son of Dasaratha, the ocean of mercy).

A poet of the 17th century, known in literary circles.

Written by the 18th century poet Kuchimanchi Jaggakavi. It contains traditional accounts of irrelevant and superstitious beliefs.

She lived in Hyderabad and hailed from a courtesan background. She was known for her philanthropy and was wealthy, highly knowledgeable, and much sought after by poets from all over the country. She was fluent in Urdu, Persian, Bhojpuri, Hindi and Telugu. She is credited as the first female poet to compile a proper Diwan of poems, using the sweet Deccani Urdu language spoken in the Hyderabad region. Several research scholars believe that her life and times influenced Mirza Hadi Ruzwa while writing ‘Umrao Jaan Ada’. Chanda was a great devotee of the Sufi saint Maula Ali, whose shrine is on a hill in Maula Ali, Hyderabad. She wished to be buried at the foot of the same hillock after her demise.

He compiled Golconda Kavulu, a list of 354 Telangana poets to prove that Telangana also had a rich literary tradition. He was the editor and founder of Golconda Patrika, a journal in Hyderabad State. A scholar in Sanskrit, Telugu, Urdu and English, he had tremendous admiration for Telangana Telugu. He is famous for his research articles, novels, poetry, short stories, and literary criticism.

Also known as Makdhoom Mohiuddin, he was a freedom fighter, academic, romantic poet, and revolutionary. His collection Besat E Raqs is a celebrated work of Urdu poetry. Some of his ghazals like ‘Ek Chameli Ke Mandwe Tale’ and ‘Phir Chidi Baat’ were tuned and became hit film songs in Hindi cinema.

Na Godava by Kaloji Narayana Rao is a landmark work. He was the first modern Telugu poet to write free verse in this part of the country. His poetry, consisting of ten volumes, is a running commentary on the historical, socio-political and cultural aspects of his time. His autobiographical writing Idee Na Godava is historical and reflective.

Popularly known as Sambha Kavi, he was finally recognized by the State government on the occasion of the World Telugu Conference. A huge arch, Mamidipalli Sambha Kavi Thoranam, was erected near Ravindra Bharathi in Hyderabad. He was born in Vemulawada. His famous writings in Telugu include Kunja Viharam, Maduravilasam and Dwipada Ramayanam. He was an expert in vocal music. Famous writers like C. Narayana Reddy learnt tips from Sambha Kavi. His works include Kaleshwara Mukteeshwara Suprabhatham, Vemulawada Suprabhatham and Jagadguru Aadishankara Suprabhatham.

He was the first PhD scholar from Osmania University in folklore studies. As a National Research Professor, he was placed alongside M.S. Subbulakshmi (Carnatic music) and Ustad Bismillah Khan (Hindustani music) – all three received the National Research Professorship from the government at the same time. His numerous papers and literary works on the folklore of Telangana are the most authentic reference points for any research scholar.

Agnidhaara by Dasharathi Krishnamacharyulu is about the Telangana Armed Struggle against Nizam rule, in which young Dasharathi served as a revolutionary. He wrote part of Agnidhaara while in jail and completed it after his release. The book contains the famous lines “Na Telangana, Koti Ratnala Veena”, which later became inspirational in the separate Telangana State movement.

Dr. Pakala Yasoda Reddy, Vanamamalai Varadacharyulu, Dr. C. Narayana Reddy, Seshadri Ramana Kavulu, Devulapalli Ramanuja Rao, Dr. Andesri, Gadiyaram Ramakrishna Sarma, Madireddy Sulochana, Tennati Sudhadevi.

A man of many interests, he liked music, cinema and theatre. His special interest lay in Indian philosophy and culture, writing fiction and political commentary, learning languages, writing poems in Telugu and Hindi, and keeping abreast of literature in general. He published SahasraPhan, a Hindi translation of Viswanatha Satyanarayana’s famous Telugu novel ‘Veyi Padagalu’. He also translated ‘Abala Jeevitam’ (Telugu translation of Hari Narayan Apte’s Marathi novel “Pan Lakshat Kon Gheto”). He translated other famous works from Marathi to Telugu and from Telugu to Hindi, and published many articles in different magazines mostly under a pen name. In his later life he wrote his autobiography, The Insider, which depicts his experiences in politics.

Recently felicitated at the 2nd State Formation Day celebrations, she is a well-known literary personality in Telangana. She published Tholinaati Kathalu, a compilation of forgotten first-generation Telangana authors including Komarraju Venkata Lakshmana Rao and Edire Chenna Keshavalu. Another Telangana-centric compilation is Telangana Toli Taram Kathalu, containing stories by Madapati Hanumantha Rao, P.V. Narasimha Rao, Suravaram Pratap Reddy and others. Based on her Telugu University presentation on Vyapara Samskrutilo Stree Chaitanyam, she published a book with the same title in 2002, a short story compilation about how women need to don a new avatar to protect their identity, family, and society.

Nandini Sidharreddy, Gorati Venkanna, Suddala Ashok Teja.