Delhi/Vizianagaram, Aug 1 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi was presented with a handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena, a traditional musical instrument of Andhra Pradesh, during his visit to Vizianagaram district on Saturday for the inauguration of the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram.

Expressing gratitude to the artisans, the Prime Minister, in a post on X, said he was delighted to receive the handcrafted Bobbili Ekanda Veena and complimented the artisans of Andhra Pradesh for preserving the state's rich musical heritage.

The Veena has a special place in India's musical traditions. It embodies the skills of Andhra Pradesh's artisans. My compliments to them for preserving the culture of the state, Modi said.

The Bobbili Veena, also known as the Bobbili Ekanda Veena, is renowned for its craftsmanship and tonal quality. It is traditionally handcrafted by artisan families in Gollapalli and Vadada villages near Bobbili in Vizianagaram district.

Unlike conventional veenas assembled from multiple wooden pieces, the Bobbili Ekanda Veena is carved largely from a single block of jackfruit wood, a feature that gives the instrument its distinctive identity. Artisans generally take 20 to 25 days to complete one professional-grade veena.

The instrument is closely associated with the cultural heritage of the erstwhile Bobbili Samsthanam. Historical accounts trace its development either to the patronage of the Bobbili royal family or to craftsman Sarvasiddhi Acchanna, who is believed to have refined the instrument during the 19th century.

The traditional craft has been preserved for generations by the Sarvasiddhi artisan community despite declining demand for handmade instruments.

Recognising its unique craftsmanship and geographical origin, the Bobbili Veena received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2011.

The Bobbili Veena has previously been presented on important occasions. Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had gifted the instrument to former US President Bill Clinton during his visit to Hyderabad in 2000.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar