Bobbili Veena Craft Heritage of Srikakulam Region

The Bobbili Veena, a classical South Indian plucked string instrument, is crafted by a small community of hereditary artisans in Bobbili town, which borders Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts. The instrument's main resonating chamber is carved from a single jackfruit wood log, with a secondary resonating chamber attached below the neck. Artisans use traditional hand tools — chisels, gouges, and scrapers — to hollow the resonator and shape the neck over several weeks. The Bobbili Veena is considered superior to other veena types for its deep, sustained tone, attributed to the quality of Bobbili's jackfruit trees. Master craftsmen like the late Nageswara Rao achieved international recognition for their instruments, which are used by classical Carnatic musicians globally. The craft has been granted GI protection.