Vedam Venkataraya Sastry was a traditionalist opposing the use of the spoken idiom in creative and critical writing. He was born in 1853. He is respected for providing authoritative editions of Sanskrit and Telugu classics. He wrote original drama and translated from Sanskrit, notably Kalidasa and Harsha. He also established a dramatic association, Andhra Bhashabhimani Nataka Samajam in 1899. This presented only his plays.

Vedam Venkataraya Sastry`s original works include Prataparudriya natakam i.e. `Prataparudra`s Play` in 1897 and Usha natakam i.e. `Usha`s Play` in 1901. The former won a great reputation as a historical drama for introducing a Chanakyan-type character in Yugandhara, minister of the Kakatiya king Prataparudra, and for its patrochita bhasha i.e. `appropriate language` using different dialects for the dramatis personae on the basis of their nativity and class. It recreated Prataparudra`s grandeur and created other memorable roles like Vidyanatha the poet, Chekumuki Sastry the courtier, and the simple Perigadu and Yelli, who became synonymous in Telugu theatre with rustic humour. Vedam Venkataraya Sastry died in 1929.

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