Despite the longstanding fame of the Bobbili veena, the livelihoods of craftsmen face challenges due to a lack of demand from the public and required patronage from the government.
About Bobbilli Veena:
It is a traditional ‘Saraswati Veena’ from Bobbili and 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 (Andhra Pradesh).
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 2012for its unique design and high-quality craftsmanship.
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