Bobbilli Veena

About Bobbilli Veena

• The traditional ‘Saraswati Veena’ from Bobbili is famed for its fine tune and distinctive notes.
• It is a large plucked string instrument used in Carnatic music.
• The making of the veena began in the 17th century during the reign of Pedda Rayudu, the king of Bobbili Samsthanam who was a great patron of music.
• Features
  • These veenas are painstakingly crafted from Jack-wood tree logs in Gollapalli, a town in Bobbili (AndhraPradesh).
  • It takes almost a full month for a log of mute wood to be crafted into a fine musical instrument.
  • Jack-wood is preferred as it is light and the unique grain of the wood renders the quality of swara or tone.
  • A single piece of wood is used to create the instrument giving it the name ‘Ekandi Veena’.
  • These Veenas are also remarkable for the exquisite designs etched on the body, making each piece exclusive.
  • With their origin dating back to the Seventeenth Century, these veenas are played in a distinctive style, which also led to the coinage of the ‘Bobbili Veena Sampradayam’.
• It earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012 for its unique design and high-quality craftsmanship.

Q1) What is Carnatic Music?

Carnatic Music is a form of Indian classical music with origins in Southern India. Lyrics in Carnatic music are largely devotional; most of the songs are addressed to the Hindu deities.

Source: Strung out: Bobbilli Veena craftsmen struggle for livelihood