While both languages are part of the Dravidian language family, Telugu has a longer documented history. Here's why:
* Earliest Inscriptions: The earliest known inscriptions in Telugu date back to the 2nd century BCE, while the earliest Kannada inscriptions are from the 5th century CE.
* Literary Tradition: Telugu literature has a richer and older tradition, with the earliest known work, the "Nannayya's Andhra Mahabharata," dating back to the 11th century CE. Kannada literature, while rich, developed slightly later.
Therefore, based on historical evidence, Telugu is considered the older language.