Question

Who was known as the ‘Vidyasagar of South India’?

Answer 1

Hint:
- A social reformer and writer at Madras Presidency, under British rule.
- He is also known as ‘Father of Renaissance in Telugu’.
- He also wrote the first Telugu novel.

Complete answer:
Rao Bahadur Kandukuri Veeresalingam Pantulu was a Professor in three main languages, i.e. Telugu, Sanskrit and English. He was born on 16th April 1848 at Rajahmundry, Andhra Pradesh. He wrote the first Telugu book on modern science. He also transformed many English works in Telugu. He wrote massively about emancipation of women. He worked basically on the amorality, superstitions, double standards and degradation in society. He recommended the remarriage of the widow and stopped child marriages as well as the tradition of marrying a young girl to an older man.

He started many schools for the education of girls and women. He published a number of journals promoting the cause of women education. He also published a journal named Viveka Vardhini through which he tried to create awareness in the society about the problems faced by women. In 1887, he launched a Brahmo Mandir at Rajahmundry. Kandukuri was one the first among the few to attend the session of the Indian National Congress in 1885. The government of India gave the title of ‘Rao Bahadur’ in 1893. He was renowned as the ‘Vidyasagar of South India’.

The most five important works of Veersalingam are:-
- Rajasekhara Charitra ( the first Telugu novel)
- Brahma Vivaham (a play)
- Kanyasulkam (price of bride)
- Gopala Satakam
- Abhagyopakhyanamu ( a satire on society)

Notes:
- He was also considered as Raja Rammohan Roy of Andhra Pradesh.
- He got around 40 widows remarried during his lifetime.
- He was a follower of Brahmo Samaj leaders like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Maharshi Keshab Chandra Sen and Pandit Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar.