BOBBILI VEENA

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Context: The famous Bobbili Veena is likely to get global attention as the Andhra Pradesh government is preparing to present its replicas as part of cultural exchange to the delegates of G-20 conference.

Details:

• The State government has ordered at least 200 replicas of Bobbili Veena to Sarwasiddi family, which is famous for making the musical instrument. 
• The G20 Infrastructure Working Group (IWG) conference being held in Visakhapatnam will focus on issues concerning future-ready urban infrastructure, financing future infra, increasing private financing and participation among others. 

About:

• Bobbili Veena, popularly known as Saraswati Veena, a large plucked string instrument is 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.
• It has earned a GI tag in 2012 for its unique design and high-quality craftsmanship. However, it is gasping for its survival due to lack of artisans.
• Only 40 families of Sarwasiddi artisans from Gollapalli and Vadada are into the business. 
• Bobbili Veena is carved from a single piece of jackwood by Sarwasiddi community artisans of Gollapalli under Bobbili Samsthanam.
• The  artisans of Gollapalli have made the veenas by using elephant tusks, stag horns and strings to get ‘Sapta Swaras’ during Bobbili Raja’s regime.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/andhra-pradesh/2023/mar/12/bobbili-veena-likely-to-be-presented-to-g-20-delegates-2555336.html