In 1820, Thomas Munro, governor of Madras had ordered that every official should learn a local language. Brown chose Telugu, under the guidance of Velagapudi Kodandarama Panthulu, and passed a Telugu examination as well as the civil service examination that year. He became deputy to John Hanbury, the collector of Kadapa.
In 1820, Thomas Munro, governor of Madras, mandated that all officials learn a local language. Brown chose Telugu under the guidance of Velagapudi Kodandarama Panthulu and passed both a Telugu exam and the civil service exam that year. He became deputy to John Hanbury, the collector of Kadapa.