The modern poets of Telangana played a crucial role in awakening the people during the hardships under the Nizam’s rule, inspiring them to join the freedom movement through their writings. Key figures include:
- Kaloji Narayana Rao (born 1914) – A prominent poet, activist, and writer, Kaloji participated in the Andhra Mahasabhas against the Nizam and faced exile for speaking out against the regime. His works prioritized Telangana dialects and he wrote in multiple languages, including Telugu, Hindi, Marathi, and Urdu. He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan and has a medical university named in his honor. Notable works: Dimensions, Telangana Movement Poems, Song of Life.
- Vattikota Alwar Swamy (born 1915) – Known as the first novelist and activist of Telangana, Alwar Swamy contributed significantly to the movement against Nizam’s rule. He was imprisoned during the Quit India movement and founded the Deshoddaraka Soochi Library for researchers. Notable works: Gangu (Telangana’s first novel), Inside the Prison, Ramappathalli.
- Dasarathi Krishnamacharya (born 1927) – A poet who used his craft to campaign for Telangana’s liberation, Krishnamacharya founded the Telangana Writers’ Association and won the Central Sahitya Akademi Award for his work Thimirantho Samaram. Notable works: Rudraveen, Flag-waving People, Thoughts.
- Suddala Hanumanthu – A revolutionary activist and poet, Hanumanthu led the Communist Party’s cultural wing in the armed struggle against the Nizam. His songs, published in Veera Telangana, inspired the masses to rise against aristocratic oppression.
- Dasarathi Rangacharya (born 1928) – A writer and poet, Rangacharya joined the Telangana movement at the age of 17. He translated the four Vedic Samhitas into Telugu and addressed themes of forced labor and exploitation in his works. Notable works: Retail Gods, Motul Flowers, Janapada.
| Poet | Key Contributions | Notable Works |
|---|---|---|
| Kaloji Narayana Rao | Key figure in the Telangana movement, wrote in multiple languages, promoted Telangana dialects, imprisoned for activism, celebrated with Telangana Dialect Day. | Dimensions, Telangana Movement Poems, Song of Life, Ours is True, Final Victory, Bapu Bapu Bapu |
| Vattikota Alwar Swamy | First novelist and activist of Telangana, participated in Quit India movement, established Deshoddaraka Soochi Library. | Gangu (first Telangana novel), Inside the Prison, Ramappathalli, Man of the People |
| Dasarathi Krishnamacharya | Poet who campaigned for Telangana’s liberation, founded Telangana Writers’ Association, won Central Sahitya Akademi Award. | Rudraveen, Fire Source, Flag-Waving People, Great Dawn, Thoughts |
| Suddala Hanumanthu | Led the Communist Party’s cultural wing during the armed struggle, used songs to inspire resistance against the Nizam’s rule. | Veera Telangana |
| Dasarathi Rangacharya | Joined the Telangana movement at age 17, translated Vedic Samhitas, wrote about forced labour and exploitation | Retail Gods, Motul Flowers, Janapada |
