PM Modi Honoured With Bobbili Ekanda Veena, A Symbol Of North Andhra’s Legacy

One may recollect that Chandrababu Naidu had gifted the Bobbili Veena to former US president Bill Clinton during the latter’s visit to Hyderabad in the year 2000.

The Bobbili Veena is also a Saraswati Veena and is celebrated for its fine tone, intricate craftsmanship and deep connection with the cultural history of North Andhra. Each professional veena is painstakingly handcrafted by artisans belonging to families that have preserved the skill for generations in the Gollapalli and Vadada villages near Bobbili. The process generally takes between 20 and 25 days, with craftsmen working for nearly eight hours daily.

Jackfruit wood is considered ideal for making the instrument because it is light, durable, and strong. Its distinctive grain also helps produce the desired swara, or tonal quality. Unlike instruments assembled from several wooden sections, the Bobbili Veena is carved largely from a single piece of wood. This construction gives it the name Ekandi Veena.

The craft is believed to have developed under the patronage of the Bobbili royal family popular known as the Bobbili Samsthanam. Local tradition traces its beginnings to the 17th century during the reign of Pedda Rayudu, when Bobbili’s rulers encouraged music and supported instrument makers.

Some historical accounts, however, credit Sarvasiddhi Acchanna, a craftsman from the Viswa Brahmin community, with developing the Bobbili Veena during the 19th century under Raja Ravu Venkata Kumar Krishna Ranga Rao. Over time, the instrument’s construction, tonal quality and playing technique evolved into what became known as the Bobbili Veena Sampradayam.

The Sarwasiddi artisan community played a central role in preserving and developing the craft. Their knowledge was passed from one generation to another, helping the Bobbili Veena survive despite changing musical tastes and declining demand for handmade instruments.

Recognising its unique geographical origin and traditional craftsmanship, the Bobbili Veena received a Geographical Indication tag in 2011.

In an X post, PM Modi lauded the Andhra Pradesh artisans for preserving Andhra Pradesh's musical legacy."Delighted to receive the exquisitely handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena in Bhogapuram. The Veena has a special place in India's musical traditions. It embodies the skills of Andhra Pradesh's artisans. My compliments to them for preserving the culture of the state, he wrote.