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Andhra Pradesh

Bobbili Veena: Andhra Pradesh's musical treasure

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The musical legacy

Carnatic music is deeply revered by the people of southern India. Something about the measured balance between svara (sound of a single music note), sruti (pitch), raag (melodic formula) and tal (rhythm) entrances its listeners. Bobbili, a town in the heart of Andhra Pradesh, is where a truly special musical instrument ‘Veena’ can be found; its use in Carnatic music has been known to expressly enthral audiences. It is the instrument of the Goddess ‘Saraswati’, the Hindu goddess of knowledge.

Thrilling connoisseurs of music for centuries, the Bobbili Veena looks just as heavenly as it sounds. It goes beyond being a piece of expert craftsmanship. It occupies an important position in Andhra Pradesh’s history, the state’s culture as well as in religion. As melodies played on the Bobbili Veena reverberate around the world, it draws to itself enchanted audiences of enthusiasts and tourists alike.

Historical significance and artistry

The divine aural reverberations of the Bobbili Veena along with its appealing visual aesthetics, truly makes it an instrument belonging to the heavens. Perhaps this is why, for centuries it has been linked with the royalty of the Bobbili Kingdom. The origin of the instrument can be traced back to the 16th century when the Bobbili Samasthanam existed. It is said that the forefathers of the present day artisans migrated from Vizianagaram and settled in Bobbili, in the year 1757. Before that, the Veenas were not produced within the kingdom, rather ordered especially by the kings that valued its sound. Even when production started within the Bobbili kingdom, it was exclusively played for the kings’ entertainment alone.

Primarily, Veenas in India are of four main types – the Rudra Veena, the Saraswati Veena, the Vichitra Veena and the Chitraveena or Gottuvadyam. It is the Saraswati Veena crafted in Bobbili region that goes by the name Bobbili Veena. Crafted with precision and artistry by skilled artisans in Bobbili's traditional art of Veena making, they are prized musical instruments. These Veenas are handmade, often fashioned out of a single piece of seasoned Jack wood (of the Jackfruit tree). Intricate carvings and ornate designs are elemental to their creation. From the selection of the right wood to the delicate final touches, crafting Bobbili Veena proves to be a laborious task, but it results in one of the most exquisite artistic and musical masterpieces.

A harmonious experience

Bobbili Veena commands respect from all practitioners and connoisseurs of Carnatic music who value the instrument for its significance in the evolution of the classical style. One of the most striking elements of Bobbili Veena is its melodic resonance. This instrument produces a soft yet captivating sound, allowing musicians the opportunity to exhibit their prowess and mesmerising the audiences.

The beauty of the Bobbili Veena is unparalleled. The polished piece of wood maybe fashioned out of a single log, forming the Ekandi, or maybe carved into the Kamalam (lotus), Nemali (Peacock), or Swarna Mandal (Golden peacock shaped only for showcase). The main bulbous body or the kunda often features rich, intricate floral designs, delicately inlayed over a plastic sheet, having replaced the use of ebony. The dandi/danda serves as the fret board with 24 brass frets set in wax and charcoal. A smaller spherical thumba, made of hollowed pumpkin, is attached to the lower form of the dandi for additional support. Finally, the end of dandi curves downward into ornately carved figures of either a lion, a peacock or a lotus – this part is known as the yali/alley. Over the years the craft has diversified with artisans now crafting miniature Veenas to be used as decorative art pieces or as gifts/ souvenirs.


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Andhra Pradesh

Where music meets history

Bobbili offers more than its musical heritage; it also gives one a chance to dive into its rich history through a live performance of this ancient instrument. While in Andhra Pradesh, it would be a loss to leave the iconic Bobbili Fort – a symbol of great valour and heritage – out of one’s travel itinerary. While there, visit the local markets and witness the proud showcase of Bobbili Veenas, crafted with devotion by its artisans. Listen to celestial melodies and witness its great craftsmanship by carrying home a timeless souvenir – a testament to Andhra’s rich cultural legacy.