Andhra Vignana Sarvasvam

Andhra Vignana Sarvasvam (transl. 'Andhra Encyclopedia') is a Telugu-language general knowledge encyclopedia initiated by Komarraju Venkata Lakshmana Rao in 1912–1913. Modelled after the Encyclopaedia Britannica, it aimed to provide systematic documentation of global knowledge for Telugu readers. Described as the first modern encyclopedia project in any South Indian language, it is considered important in Telugu literature for its scholarly approach and commitment to accessibility.

The encyclopedia was first published in serialized installments, with the initial three volumes addressing a broad range of topics, including science, linguistics, history, and art. Lakshmana Rao was the chief editor and principal author, supported by contributions from other scholars. The project faced challenges, including resource constraints and Lakshmana Rao's death in 1923.

Following a period of inactivity, the project was revived in the early 1930s under the leadership of Kasinathuni Nageswara Rao, who oversaw the publication of revised editions. However, the encyclopedia remained incomplete. Between 1938 and 1941, Kandukuri Prasada Bhupaludu, the zamindar of Devidi Estate, published Andhra Vignanamu, a seven-volume work regarded as the first complete encyclopedia in Telugu.