Visakhapatnam: Bobbili Veena, an esteemed example of Andhra Pradesh’s classical music tradition, has earned national recognition under Government of India’s One District, One Product (ODOP) initiative.The recognition celebrates this special veena’s exquisite craftsmanship, whose cultural resonance is deep. This places the classical Bobbili instrument among the most distinguished artisanal treasures from within the seven districts across Andhra Pradesh.Vizianagaram collector Dr. B.R. Ambedkar will accept the ODOP award on behalf of the district at a ceremony scheduled in New Delhi on July 14. “This is a proud moment not only for Vizianagaram but also for the artisans of Bobbili, who have preserved this traditional craft for generations,” Dr. Ambedkar stated, before leaving for the national capital.The collector expressed confidence that the national recognition will enhance Bobbili Veena’s visibility and create new opportunities for veena makers.Renowned for its rich tonal quality and elegant design, Bobbili Veena has been showcased on international stages, such as the G-20 Summit in New Delhi and the Global Summit in Visakhapatnam. It has been featured on Indian postal stamps and commemorative coins. Miniature versions of the Bobbili Veena are often gifted to dignitaries. Then U.S. President Bill Clinton had expressing admiration for its craftsmanship during an official visit.Bobbili Veena received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2012, affirming its unique origin and artisanal value. Its legacy dates back to the 17th Century, when the Bobbili royal court supported veena making as a cultural art form.Gollapalli village, located near Bobbili town, remains the heart of this veena’s production, with over 300 families continuing this tradition, some with more than a century of experience. Although it is also produced in Vadada within the Badangi mandal, all the instruments made in the region are collectively known as Bobbili Veena.The Bobbili Veena is traditionally “ekandi – carved from a single log, of jackfruit or Michelia champaca (Sampangi) wood. However, due to timber shortages, Andhra Pradesh government has initiated jackfruit plantation drives across north Andhra districts to ensure sustainable wood supply for making the Bobbili Veena and preserving the craft.The ODOP recognition is expected to enhance market access to the Bobbili Veena, encouraging younger generations not only to take up the craft, but also playing this exquisite instrument.
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