ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the identification and historical and theoretical analysis of some aspects of the Telugu grammatical tradition, which were critical elements in the construction of the concept of the Dravidian language family. Never did the term language carry the meaning of exclusive reference to Telugu in its grammatical tradition. The structure and nature of Telugu was largely shaped by the thinking process, character and mode of life of Nagas, Telugus and also of other tribal groups. In principle, Telugu accepts loan words with or without phonetic changes from other languages. The geographic location of Andhra region in the Indian subcontinent has been a significant factor in moulding the cultural and intellectual tradition of Telugu people. The harmonious integration of the original nature and structure and the ‘special forms for developing effectiveness’ of Telugu and the consequent features of it, is an accomplishment of its grammatical tradition.
