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.
