The Cambridge History of India, Vol. I: Ancient India v1.c31.s4.2

v1.c31.s4.2

¹ The word *Telugu*, *Teluṅgu*, *Tenuṅgu*, is of uncertain derivation. Native scholars derive it from the Sanskrit *trailiṅga*, 'belonging to the Triliṅga' or land of the Three Phallic Emblems, a title sometimes given to the Telugu country, or from the Telugu word *tene* 'honey.' It seems more likely to be from *ten*, 'south,' and to mean 'southern' (probably from the standpoint of Kaliṅga).