Early Life and Education
Two dates of birth (according to western calendar) have been calculated based on Gurajada's horoscope, viz., Nov.30, 1861 and Sept. 21, 1862. Apparently, his descendants prefer the second date. Gurajada was born at his maternal uncle's home in Rayavaram village near Yelamanchili Visakhapatnam district. His parents were Venkata Rama Dasu and Kausalyamma, from a Telugu Brahmin family. He had a younger brother by name Syamala Rao. Gurazada's ancestors seem to have moved to Kalinga region from Gurazada village in Krishna district. (hence the family name?) Venkata Rama Dasu worked as a PeshkAr, Revenue Supervisor, and Khiledar in the Vizianagaram Samsthanam. He was well educated and had a good command in Sanskrit. He died in an accident while crossing a small river Utagedda near Vizianagaram.
Gurajada lived most of his life in and around Vizianagaram in what was then called as kalinga rajyam. He and his father before him were both employed by the princely state of Vizianagaram. Gurazada enjoyed a close relationship with the ruling family during his adult life.
Gurajada had his initial schooling (till age 10) in Cheepurupalli while his father was working there. His remaining schooling was done at Vizianagaram after his father died. During that time, he lived in relative poverty and maintained himself as a varalabbayi. He was generously taken care of by the then M.R. College Principal, C. Chandrasekhara Sastri who provided him free lodging and boarding. He completed his metriculation in 1882 and obtained F.A. in 1884. Soon after, he was employed as a teacher in M.R. High School in 1884 with a salary of Rs.25.
Read more about this topic: Gurazada Apparao
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