ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on an elucidation of the proposition that Telugu language was the site for formulation of the concept of the Dravidian language family in 1816. It discusses the utility of Telugu for the colonial regime in order to explain why and how Telugu was a tissue for building the theory of the Dravidian languages. Alexander Campbell commenced the history of Telugu and Andhra region with a description of territorial extent of the Telugu speaking area in south India. Telugu is a mixed language of two elements: the native Telugu words, and the loan words mainly of Sanskrit as well as other languages. It seems that the professional circles of Telugu and Dravidian linguistics are not well acquainted with this aspect of the theory of the Dravidian languages. Yet Andhra Dipika exercised decisive influence on the development of modern Telugu and in formulation of the theory of the Dravidian languages via F. W. Ellis and Campbell.
