Saraswati, the Hindu Goddess of learning, is always portrayed with a veena on her lap, symbolising the instrument’s unique significance in the hearts of music enthusiasts throughout the country, particularly in the realm of Carnatic music.
Much like Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, the town of Bobbili in the Vizianagaram district is renowned for producing high-quality veenas. The history of the Bobbili veena is intertwined with the patronage it received from kings of the princely state of Bobbili. Mushinati Chinnayya Chari and Sarwasiddhi Appala Swamy, who were the pioneers of making the Bobbili veena, brought special recognition to Bobbili with their exceptional craftsmanship and musical prowess. The kings of Bobbili, known for their love of music, actively encouraged artisans and musicians in their court. Bobbili veena got worldwide recognition when Veena was displayed at an exhibition held in New Delhi in 1919.
“My father, Sarwasiddhi Veeranna, received a special award from the then President of India Neelam Sanjeeva Reddy in 1979. Then onwards, Bobbili veena gained more prominence across India,” says Sarwasiddhi Ramakrishna, president of Bobbili Veena Craft Development Center.
