Want to know the best telugu books to read? Well, you have landed on the right article. Early ongoing excellent habits can lay a firm basis for a promising future.
There are a few routines we follow, but only a select number of them last all the way through. One habit that helps us learn more and grow intellectually is reading.
In addition, famous telugu books promotes relaxation and lowers tension. It also makes it possible for you to learn about literature, language, and culture must read telugu books.
This article is the finest resource for learning about Telugu literature if you are a voracious reader who enjoys reading Telugu novels and has a deep interest in that language’s literature.
Starting with the Pre-Nannayan era and ending with the present day, Telugu literature is split into six ages. Up to 575 A.D., the Pre-Nannayan era was only represented through inscriptions. Nannayya Bhattaraka did, however, transcribe the Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu in the 11th century A.D. Telugu literature has been changed by this.
Rajasekhara Charitamu is a novel that was written by Kandukuri Viresalingam Pantulu, the founder of modern Telugu literature.
He was the first and greatest writer of the modern era to use literature to challenge societal injustices and ideologies.
Here are some of the best telugu novels of all time:-
List of 15 Best Telugu Books To Read At least Once (Updated 2023)
Table of content
1. Devarakonda Balgangadhara Tilak
The well-known book Tilak Kadhalu was written by Devarakonda Balagangadhara Tilak.
In this book, he collected several short stories in which he expressed his views on people straightforwardly.
He was acknowledged as a bright and original writer for producing such a masterpiece.
He was awarded the “Sahitya Academy Prize” in 1970 for his 1969 poetry book, Amrutham Kurisina Ratri.
Maxim Gorky and Rabindranath Tagore served as the inspiration for every story he authored. Tilak Kadhalu, his well-known novel, has a 4.43-star rating on Goodreads.
Therefore, you may easily get this book from Amazon or Flipkart if you are genuinely interested in reading it. Therefore, both Amazon and Flipkart sell the book’s paperback edition.
2. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao-Jeevitha Charitra
Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of the state of Hyderabad, wrote it as his autobiography.
He was one of the Telugu-speaking politicians who opposed the Nizam in Hyderabad, a princely state.
He was a bilingual lecturer who was renowned for his proficiency in Telugu and Sanskrit. He also translated, besides being a poet.
3. Chalam Aatma Katha
It is actually Gudipati Venkata Chalam’s autobiography, which he wrote in his own words and which Narthaki recorded.
He discussed his propensity for romanticism, his fight with his parents due to his ideas, and his philosophical concerns in this autobiography.
He became one of the most important figures in Telugu literature thanks to his contemporary writing style.
This book has a 4.06-star rating on Goodreads. Therefore, you may easily get it from Flipkart if you’re genuinely interested in reading this book or want your child to read it.
4. Budugu
The fictitious book Budugu was authored by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana. He invented a fictitious character in his book named Budugu, who was actually Ramana’s nickname.
The protagonist of the book is a little child who grows up in Andhra Pradesh.
He has a unique outlook on life and aspires to work as a railway engineer or a horse-cart driver.
He also discusses the 13th table, the right method to nurture children, and Telugu culture.
Other people inhabit his world, some of whom are kind toward him; among them are the girl of his dreams, a detective, his uncle, his tutor, and other neighbors whom he despises.
This book has a 4.52-star rating on Goodreads. As a result, you may simply get this book from Amazon or Flipkart if you’re genuinely interested in reading it or want your child too.
5. Amuktha Malyada
The Telugu epic poem Amuktha Malyada was written by the Vijayanagara Emperor Krishnadevaraya at the beginning of the 16th century.
Amuktha Malyada is a name that means “one who presented the garland after wearing it himself” in this context.
This masterwork by Krishnadevaraya depicts the union of Goda Devi, a Tamil Alvar poet and the daughter of Periyalvar, and Lord Ranganayaka.
Who is said to be a manifestation of Lord Vishnu? The goddess Laxmi is said to have taken the form of Goda Devi. This poem captures the agony of Andal’s separation.
As a result, if you are genuinely interested in reading this book, you may easily get it from Flipkart or Amazon.
6. Andhra Prashasti
The Telugu poetry Andhra Prasasti was written by Viswanatha Satyanarayana. Telugu is extensively used in this poem.
But the author wrote this poem with Mallampally Somasekhara Sharma in mind.
Beginning with Satavahana, Andhra Mahavishnu, Gautamiputra Satakarni, Madhava Varma, Vengi Kshetramu, Mukhalingam, Nannaya Bhattu, Prolaraju, Kondaveeti Pogamabbulu, and Chandravanka Yuddhamu.
This book concentrates on the significant events and tales in Telugu history. This book has a 4.31-star rating on Goodreads.
As a result, if you are genuinely interested in reading this book, you may easily get it from Flipkart or Amazon.
7. Kasi Majili Kathalu
Madhira Subban Dixit collected 12 short stories in her collection Kashi Majili Kathalu.
The Ramamohana Press, under the direction of Kandula Suryarao and Rajahmundry, published this book in 1934.
Manisiddhudane Yati and Gopakumaruni, the book’s two major protagonists, are at the center of the narrative.
They travel on foot from the southern region to Kashi, one of the most sacred sites for Hindus. Throughout the journey and at each stop along the Kashiyatra, the entire epic novel’s tale is told.
These Kashi Majili tales are a compilation of all those chain tales as a result. The son of Madhira Subban Dixit, however, released the second installment of this book in 1950.
These tales have carved themselves a unique place in Telugu literature since they are so well-liked by the language’s audience.
This fantastic book is available on Amazon for Rs. 749. We’ve included a link to Amazon below.
8. Antarmukham
The Outsider by Albert Camus was translated into Telugu in 1992 by Yandamuri Virendra Nath.
This book’s plot centres around the thoughts of an elderly guy who is prepared to pass away in bed.
The book also delves deeply into the character’s inner turmoil, ties to others, and the power of love while also examining his outward actions.
It also expresses how the elderly feel and think. It has a 4.13-star rating on Goodreads.
In addition, you may get this book from Amazon for just Rs. 95 if you’re truly interested in reading it. You may also buy it for yourself by clicking the link below.
9. Siprali
The renowned poet Sri Sri wrote the epic tale Siprali, also known as Ciprali, in 1981 while Sri Wanguri Chitten King Garinta was visiting Swadasturi.
Between 1945 and 1950, he penned these poems. They are published in several periodicals.
Regarding publishing, the Wanguri Foundation of America first released Sri Sri Gary’s handwritten book in 1981 in 50 copies.
The United States has never published a Telugu book before. A paperback copy of it is readily accessible on Amazon for Rs. 110.
The link to purchase it from Amazon is in the list below.
10. Paakudu Raallu
The first Telugu book to treat the film industry as an object was this original story by Ravuri Bhardwaj.
He won the 2013 Jnanpith Award for Literature, which is the most prestigious award, thanks to this book.
The novel’s plot concentrates on exposing the negative aspects of the Telugu cinema business.
The focus of this book is Manjari, the protagonist, and her journey from being an orphaned theatrical performer under the name of Mangamma to being a well-known Telugu film actress.
In addition, you may purchase this book from Amazon or Flipkart if you’re truly interested in reading it. It has a 4.06-star rating on Goodreads.
11. Mahaprasthanam
It is a compilation of Telugu poetry written by renowned author and National Award recipient Srirangam Srinivasarao, often referred to as Sri Sri.
This book is thought to be the pinnacle of Indian contemporary poetry.
The poems included in The Maha Prasthanam, also known as “The Great Journey to a New World,” were all written between 1930 and 1940.
It was initially printed in 1950. The Telugu literary scene was shaken by this publication.
Maha Prasthanam was also so well-liked all across the world that Sri Sri was given the title of Mahakavi.
So, if you’re wanting to buy it online, you can simply do so from Amazon for just Rs 65 for the paperback edition. The book’s Amazon URL has been mentioned below.
12. Barrister Parvateesam
A 1924 comedy book titled Barrister Parvateesam was penned in the Telugu language by renowned author Mokkapati Narasimha Sastry.
But it was first released in three parts.The book’s opening section depicts Parvateesam’s existence as one of struggle (Main Character).
The main character in the first section flees his home to pursue a career as a barrister.
Parvateesam arrives in England and enrolls at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland in the second section of the book.
His struggle with life and his ability to finish his studies while the First World War is going on is also shown in this section of the book.
After becoming a barrister, the main character travels to Bombay in the third section. He began his legal career in the Madras High Court after arriving at his village from the coasts of Bombay.
This lighthearted comedic book was named India’s best-written book. It has a 4.27-star rating on Goodreads.
13. Vennello Aadapilla
Yandamoori Veerendranath wrote the Telugu romantic book Vennello Aadapilla. The entire book is a blend of suspense, drama, and wisdom.
This book was turned into a television series, for which the author received the Nandi award for Best Director.
The characters in this tale are also quite attractive and powerful, which adds to the book’s appeal.
The novel’s plot also centers on Revanth, a champion chess player who traveled to Russia for a global chess championship.
After that, he had a brief phone contact with an unidentified female that forever altered his life. The suspense in this book keeps the reader turning the pages until the very end.
Since Nava Sahiti Book House initially released this book in 2011, over 50,000 copies have been sold.
Therefore, you may get the paperback edition online from Amazon or Flipkart if you have a strong interest in reading romantic and academic novels.
While it is priced at Rs 70 on Flipkart, it is Rs 80 on Amazon. The URLs for both online platforms are provided below.
14. Amaravati Kathalu
Satyam Sankaramanchi’s collection of 101 short stories, Amaravati Kathalu, was written in Telugu.
These short stories are about Amaravati’s rural residents. However, the Aandhra Joyti newspaper was where it was initially printed.
Following that, Navodaya Publishers released a book including these stories. The renowned artist Bapu handled the illustrations in this book.
The Andhra Sahitya Academy Prize was given to this book’s tales and artwork in 1979. It is regarded as the greatest collection of Telugu short stories published in the 20th century. This book has a 4.29-star rating on Goodreads.
You may buy this book from the links below for Rs. 244 on Amazon and Rs. 240 on Flipkart if you wish to read it in person.
15. Veyi Padagalu
Viswanatha Satyanarayana is the author of the well-known Telugu book Veyi Padagalu. Veyi Padagalu translates to “A Thousand Hoods” in English.
Hood in this context alludes to the hoods worn by the deity of the thousand-hooded serpent, who serves as the supernatural watchman over the town where the narrative is situated.
This book was created for a competition held in 1934 at Andhara University.
It was originally composed by Venkateswarlu, the younger brother of Viswanatha, and performed by Viswanatha.
Thus, it took 999 broadsheets and nearly 29 days to finish the novel. But other Indian languages have also been translated into this book.
In addition, former Indian Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao translated this book into its original form.
In addition, you may get this book from Amazon for Rs. 747 if you’re truly interested in reading it. The Amazon link is provided below.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoyed reading and learned something from this post. Therefore, there is a wide selection of best telugu literature books to choose from whether you have a particular interest in literature.
Simply pick out your favorite book and begin reading. These books are all excellent. Who knows when reading a book might have an enormous influence on your life?
I hope you liked our article on Best telugu books to read. If you have any comments or suggestions do share them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is the No 1 book in the world?
According to Guinness World Records as of 1995, the Bible is the best-selling book of all time with an estimated 5 billion copies sold and distributed.
2. Who is the father of Telugu literature?
Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu is called the father of Telugu literature.
3. Where can I read Telugu books online?
There are several platforms where you can read Telugu books online. However, Goodreads and Telugubooks are the most preferred options.
Here are the Best Telugu Books of all time:-