Thapi Dharma Rao

Thapi Dharma Rao Biography

Thapi Dharma Rao was a Telugu writer, lyricist and social reformer. As a lyricist and dialogue writer, his noted movies are Mala Pilla, Drohi, Raitu Bidda, Paramanandayya Shishyula Katha, Thathaji, Bhishma, and Patni. He has also received numerous literal awards including Sahitya Academy awards. He has written many books in the subject of social science and those works are often exhibited in many annals of Indian literature. "Vidhi Vilasam" and "Devalayala paina bootu Bommalu endhuku" are such noted works. Thapi is regarded as one of the founding fathers of modern Telugu literature.

He has been honoured with 'Visishta Sabhyathvam' by Andhra sahitya Academy. Andhra Visharada title, given by chief priest of Sringeri Sharada Peetham for his contributions to Telugu literature too worth mention. Rallu-Rappalu is his autobiography work. Inupakatchadalu, Devalayala Meeda Bhutu Bommalenduku?, Pelli- Dani Puttupurvotharalu, All India Adukkutinevalla Mahasabha and Pathapali, Kotha Pali are his noted literal works.  

Thapi Dharma Rao Naidu, also known as Tapi Dharma Rao was born in Berhampur in the year 1887. His father Thapi Appanna Naidu was a medical practitioner. His mother was Narasamma. His primary education was done at Sreekakulam until 1900. Later he studied at Rippan High school of Vizianagaram. His graduation was completed at Pachaiyappa's College, Chennai. Later he started his career as a journalist. He has served as an editor of Telugu magazines ‘Kondegadu’ and ‘Janavani. He was the trend setter in Telugu journalism who introduced the spoken language in journalism. In 1940, he was established a popular weekly named ‘Kagada’ and later founded book publications named Veguchkka Grandhamala. He was a self made scholar.

Tapi dharma is a progressive non-brahmin intellectual. He was one of the founding members of Abhydaya Rachayitala Sangham (Arasam). He reinterpreted the rituals and religious beliefs from the view point of modern social sciences. Through his works, he tried to expose the superstitions and popular beliefs base on reason.

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Updated: March 20, 2014