2023 · Paper II · 10 marks

Write a short note on the following : (ii) Gidugu Ramamurthy's pioneering efforts to strengthen the Vyavaharika Bhasha movement

In short

Gidugu Ramamurthy (1863-1940), father of the Vyavaharika Bhasha movement, fought to replace classical grandhika Telugu with the spoken language in literature and education, against the Andhra Sahitya Parishat and orthodox pandits. He also compiled a Savara dictionary, and his birth anniversary, 29 August, is observed as Telugu Language Day.

Model answer

Ghissu Editorial · Verified 4 Oct 2026

Introduction
Gidugu Ramamurthy was a key figure in promoting Vyavaharika Bhasha, the colloquial Telugu language, challenging the dominance of classical Telugu and democratizing education in Andhra Pradesh. His efforts aligned with broader educational reforms and helped make literature and learning accessible to the common people.
Who Was Gidugu Ramamurthy
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Leader of Linguistic Reform

Gidugu Ramamurthy (1863-1940) succeeded Gurajada Apparao in advocating for the use of spoken Telugu over literary Telugu in education and literature, confronting orthodox scholars who resisted change.

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Tribal Language Contributions

He compiled a dictionary for the Savara language, a tribal language of the Parlakimidi region in Ganjam district (now in Odisha), promoting linguistic diversity and inclusivity beyond Telugu.

The Vyavaharika Bhasha Movement
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Educational Impact

The movement supported the Curzon educational report (1905), which emphasized mother tongue instruction, making education more accessible and effective for school children.

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Cultural Democratization

It challenged orthodox Telugu Pandits and the grandhika camp led by Jayanti Ramayya and the Andhra Sahitya Parishat, to popularize colloquial Telugu and democratize language and culture in Andhra Pradesh.

Gidugu Ramamurthy’s Contributions and Impact
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Literary and Educational Reforms

Gidugu authored works in Vaduka Bhasha and helped integrate it into schools, improving literacy in Andhra Pradesh despite conservative opposition. His persistent advocacy gradually shifted public opinion and educational policies.

Way Forward
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Mother Tongue Education

Strengthen mother tongue instruction in Andhra Pradesh per NEP 2020, ensuring early education is imparted in the vernacular to enhance learning outcomes.

Conclusion
Gidugu Ramamurthy’s pioneering efforts were crucial in strengthening the Vyavaharika Bhasha movement and shaping Telugu linguistic and educational reforms, leaving a lasting impact on Andhra Pradesh’s cultural renaissance.

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Hand-drawn diagram: Two forms of Telugu. Two forms of Telugu. Comparison of Classical literary Telugu and Vyavaharika Bhasha
Diagram: Two forms of Telugu

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This chapter in the exam

Andhra - Modern14 questions

Asked in 5 of 8 sittings since 2008

2008
3
2011
–
2012
–
2016
–
2017
2
2020
2
2023
5
2025
2

Most tested: Social awakening in Andhra through education, print/language reform, and reform personalities.

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Question from the official APPSC Group-I Mains 2023 paper. Answer written by Ghissu's engine and checked against our editorial standards. Found an error? Tell us and we correct it within 48 hours.

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