Want to know best books in telugu? Well you have landed on the right article
Developing good habits at an early age can set a solid foundation for a bright future. There are a few things that we usually do, but only a few of them stick with us till the end.
Reading is one such habit that broadens our knowledge and enlightens our minds. Apart from that, reading books helps you relax and reduce your stress level.
Furthermore, it enables you to get familiar with the culture, language, and literature. So, if you are an avid reader who loves to read Telugu books and have a keen interest in learning about their literature,
this article is the best way to learn about them because in this article you will get 20 best telugu books to read before you die. Telugu literature is divided into six ages, starting from the Pre-Nannayan period to the modern age.
During the Pre-Nannayan period, only inscriptions were present till 575 A.D. However, in the 11th century A.D., Nannayya
Bhattaraka translated the Sanskrit Mahabharata into Telugu. This has revolutionized Telugu literature.
In addition, Kandukuri Viresalingam Pantulu, the father of modern Telugu literature, created a book called Rajasekhara Charitamu. He was the first and greatest modern-day author to utilize writing to combat societal injustices and beliefs.
Our Top Picks best books to read in telugu :
Also Read : Best Telugu Movies Of All Time and Best Tamil Books You Must Read
List Of Top 10+ Best Telugu Books To Read : telugu literature books
Telugu is known for its literature, and a few masterpieces have left an eternal mark on the hearts of Telugu readers. These masterpieces, best telugu novels to read have been listed below :
1. Mahaprasthanam
It is a collection of poetry written in the Telugu language by the prominent writer and National Award winner Srirangam Srinivasarao, also known as Sri Sri.
This book is regarded as an epic achievement of modern Indian poetry.
The Maha Prasthanam, which means “The Great Journey to a New World,” is a compilation of all poems written between 1930 and 1940.
However, it was first published in 1950. This release shook the Telugu literary world. One of the if not the best novels to read in telugu.
Also, Maha Prasthanam was so popular worldwide that it gave Sri Sri the title of Mahakavi So, if you are looking to buy it online, you can easily purchase the paperback version of this masterpiece from Amazon at Rs 65 only.
We have mentioned the Amazon link for this book below.
Video Review
2. Barrister Parvateesam
Barrister Parvateesam is a 1924 comedy novel, written in the Telugu language by the famous writer Mokkapati Narasimha Sastry.
However, it was first published in three parts. The first part of the book demonstrates the struggle-filled life of Parvateesam (Main Character).
In the first part, the main character runs away from his home to become a barrister.
In the second part of the novel, Parvateesam reaches England and enrolls himself at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.
This part of the novel also demonstrates his struggle with life and how he completes his studies during the First World War.
In the third part, the main character reaches Bombay after becoming a barrister. After reaching his village from Bombay shores, he started practicing law at Madras High Court.
This humorous comedy novel was recognized as the best-written novel in India. Also, Goodreads has rated it with 4.27 stars.
Video Review
3. Vennello Aadapilla
Vennello Aadapilla is a romantic novel written in Telugu by Yandamoori Veerendranath.
The whole novel is a mix of drama, knowledge, suspense, and more. A series was created based on this novel, for which the author was awarded the Nandi award for Best Director.
Moreover, the characters shown in this novel are very strong and beautiful, which makes this book interesting to read.
In addition, the story of the novel revolves around a chess player, Revanth, who went to Russia for a world chess competition and became champion.
After that, a single telephone conversation with an unknown girl changed his life. This novel is full of suspense, which makes the reader stick to this novel till the end.
This book was first published by Nava Sahiti Book House in the year 2011 and since then it has sold more than 50,000 copies.
So, if you have a keen interest in reading novels related to romance and knowledge, then you can purchase the paperback version online from Amazon or Flipkart.
On Amazon, it is priced at Rs 80, while on Flipkart it is priced at Rs 70. Below are the links for both online platforms.
Video Review
4. Amaravati Kathalu
Amaravati Kathalu is a compilation of 101 short stories written in Telugu by Satyam Sankaramanchi.
These short stories are about the village people of Amaravati. However, it was first published in the Aandhra Joyti newspaper.
After that, these stories were published in the form of a book by Navodaya Publishers. Moreover, the images illustrated in this novel were created by the famous artist Bapu.
Both the stories and illustrations for this novel won the Andhra Sahitya Academy award in the year 1979. It is also recognized as the best Telugu short story collection of the 20th century.
In addition, Goodreads has given this book a 4.29 star rating. If you want to have a hands-on experience with this novel, you can purchase it from the below links at Rs. 244 from Amazon and Rs. 240 from Flipkart.
Video Review
5. Veyi Padagalu
Veyi Padagalu is a popular novel written in Telugu by Viswanatha Satyanarayana. In English, Veyi Padagalu means “A Thousand Hoods.”
Here, hood refers to the hoods of the thousand-hooded snake god who acts as the divine protector of the village where the story is set.
This novel was written for a competition organized at Andhara University in the year 1934 , this is one of the most famous telugu books in India.
Initially, it was recited by Viswanatha and written by his younger brother, Venkateswarlu. Thus, it took almost 29 days and 999 broadsheets to complete the novel.However, this novel was translated into other Indian languages.
Moreover, this novel was first translated by PV Narsimha Rao, who was the former Prime Minister of India.
In addition, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can get it from Amazon for Rs. 747. We have mentioned below the link to Amazon for your reference.
Video Review
6. Paakudu Raallu
This unique novel by Ravuri Bhardwaj was the first Telugu book to use the film business as an object.
This novel made him win the most popular Jnanipith Award for Literature in the year 2013. The story of the novel focuses on showing the dark sides of the Telugu film industry.
Moreover, this novel revolves around the main character, Manjari, and how she rose from being an orphan theatrical artist named Mangamma to becoming a prominent Telugu cinema actress.
In addition, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can get it from Amazon or Flipkart. Also, Goodreads has given it a 4.06 star rating.
Video Review
7. Siprali
Siprali, or Ciprali, is an epic novel written by the famous poet Sri Sri in 1981 during his visit of Sri Wanguri Chitten King Garinta to Swadasturi.
He wrote these poems between 1945 and 1950. However, they are printed in a variety of journals.
With respect to the publication, Sri Sri Gary's handwritten book was initially published in 1981 in 50 copies by the Wanguri Foundation of America.
This is the first Telugu book to be published in the United States. Moreover, it is easily available on Amazon as a paperback version for Rs 110. The list down below is the link to buy it from Amazon.
8. Antarmukham
It is the Telugu version of Albert Camus's "The Outsider", written by Yandamuri Virendra Nath in the year 1992.
In this novel, the story revolves around the feelings of an old man who is ready to die in bed.
Moreover, the novel explores, in the depths of the heart, the man's external behavior, the inherent conflict within him, the bonds that bind him, and the greatness of love.
It also describes the feelings and thoughts of the elderly. Also, Goodreads has given it a 4.13 star rating. In addition, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can get it from Amazon for just Rs. 95.
You can also click on the link below to purchase it for yourself.
Video Review
9. Kasi Majili Kathalu
Kashi Majili Kathalu is a compilation of short stories, written in 12 parts by Madhira Subban Dixit.
Kandula Suryarao and Rajahmundry at Ramamohana Press printed this book in the year 1934.
The story of the book revolves around the two main characters, Manisiddhudane Yati and Gopakumaruni.
They walk from the southern area to Kashi, which is one of the holiest places for Hindus.
The whole story in this epic novel is narrated along the trip and at every stage of Kashiyatra. As a result, these Kashi Majili stories are a collection of all those chain stories.
However, the second part of this book was published by the son of Madhira Subban Dixit in the year 1950. These stories are so popular among Telugu readers that they have created a special space in Telugu literature.
You can look for this amazing novel on Amazon for Rs. 749. We have also mentioned below the link to Amazon for your easy purchase.
Video Review
10. Andhra Prashasti
Andhra Prasasti, a Telugu poem, was written by Viswanatha Satyanarayana.
This poetry is loaded with Telugu. However, the poet dedicated this poem to Mallampally Somasekhara Sharma.
This book focuses on the major episodes and stories of Telugu history, starting with Satavahana, Andhra Mahavishnu, Gautamiputra Satkarni, Madhava Varma, Vengi Kshetramu, Mukhalingamu, Nannaya Bhattu, Prolaraju, Kondaveeti Pogamabbulu, and Chandravanka Yuddhamu.
Goodreads has given this book a 4.31 star rating. So, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can easily purchase it either from Amazon or on Flipkart.
11. Amuktha Malyada
In the early 16th century, Krishnadevaraya, the Vijayanagara Emperor, wrote the Telugu epic poem Amuktha Malyada.
Here, the name Amuktha Malyada means "one who presented the garland after wearing it himself."
This masterpiece by Krishnadevaraya demonstrates the marriage between Lord Ranganayaka, who is considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, and Goda Devi, the Tamil Alvar poet, and daughter of Periyalvar.
Goda Devi is considered an incarnation of Goddess Laxmi. Moreover, this poem reflects the pain of separation felt by Andal.
So, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can easily purchase it either from Amazon or on Flipkart.
Video Review
12. Budugu
Budugu is a fictional novel written by Mullapudi Venkata Ramana.
In his novel, he created a fictional character named Budugu, which was actually the nickname of Ramana.
The book revolves around a young kid growing up in Andhra Pradesh. He has his own perspective towards life, and his dream is to become a horse-cart rider or a railway engineer.
He also speaks about the proper way to raise children, the 13th table, and Telugu culture in general.
In his universe, there are other characters, some of whom are protective and caring for him; a girl of his dreams; a detective; his uncle; his tutor; and other neighbors whom he hates. Also, Goodreads has given this book a 4.52 star rating.
So, if you are really interested in reading this book or want your child to read it, you can easily purchase it either from Amazon or on Flipkart.
Video Review
13. Chalam Aatma Katha
It is actually the autobiography of Gudipati Venkata Chalam, which he has written in his own words, but it was recorded by Narthaki.
In this autobiography, he talked about his inclination towards romance, his battle with his laughter because of his opinions, and his questions about life.
His modern writing style made him one of the most influential people in Telugu literature.
Goodreads has given this book a 4.06 star rating. So, if you are really interested in reading this book or want your child to read it, you can easily purchase it from Flipkart.
14. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao-Jeevitha Charitra
It is an autobiography of Burgula Ramakrishna Rao, the first Chief Minister of the Hyderabad state.
In the princely state of Hyderabad, he was one of the Telugu-speaking politicians who stood up against the Nizam.
He was also a multilingual professor who was well-known for his knowledge of Sanskrit and Telugu. He was a poet and a translator as well.
15. Devarakonda Balgangadhara Tilak
Tilak Kadhalu is a famous novel written by Devarakonda Balgangadhara Tilak.
In this novel, he wrote a collection of short stories in which he spoke with clarity about humans as people.
For such a masterpiece, he was recognized as a brilliant and innovative writer.
Also, in 1970, he received the "Sahitya Academy Prize" for his collection of poems, Amrutham Kurisina Ratri, which was published in 1969.
Every story that he wrote was inspired by Maxim Gorky and Rabindranath Tagore. Moreover, Goodreads has given his famous book, Tilak Kadhalu, a 4.43 star rating.
So, if you are really interested in reading this book, you can easily purchase it from Amazon or Flipkart. Thus, the paperback version of the book is available both on Amazon and Flipkart.
Video Review
Conclusion
We hope you found this article interesting and informative. So, whether you have a certain book taste or not, there is a diverse range of Telugu books to pick from. So, I hope when the same question i.e., What are the best telugu books to read? clicks in your mind then you would have the answer.
All you have to do is choose your favorite book and start reading. All of these novels are fantastic. Who knows when a novel may have a significant impact on your life?
I hope you liked our article on best books in telugu, if you have any comments or suggestions do share them in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who wrote the first novel in Telugu?
Kandukuri Veeresalingam wrote the first novel in Telugu.
2. Where do I get Telugu's best books?
Ans. Most of Telugu’s best books can be found online, either on Amazon or Flipkart. Also, you can purchase your favorite Telugu books from https://www.telugubooks.in/
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.
4. Who is the father of Telugu literature?
Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu is called the father of Telugu literature.
5.What are the names of Best Telugu Story Books?
Here is the list of best telugu story books :
- Chivaraku Migiledi
- Veyi Padagalu
- Maha Prasthanam
- Amaravati Kathalu
- Vennello Adapilla
Here are the best books to read in telugu: