Bobbili in Andhra Pradesh has a fascinating connection to the town’s royal origins and the tiger, and its evolution reflects centuries of local history.
Bobbili traces its origins to the 17th century, when Pedda Rayudu, a descendant of the Venkatagiri royal family, came into the region in the service of Sher Muhammad Khan, the Fauzdar (a Mughal-era military and administrative officer) of Srikakulam. After receiving a grant of territory, Pedda Rayudu’s family established a settlement and fort in the area.
According to the historical account preserved by the Andhra Pradesh government, Pedda Rayudu’s successor, Lingappa, made the settlement his headquarters and named it “Pedda Puli,” meaning “Great Tiger,” in honour of Sher Muhammad Khan. Sher is the Persian word for tiger.
Over time, the name changed through local usage. Pedda Puli became Pebbuli, then Bebbuli, and eventually Bobbili.
Today, Bobbili is known not only for its celebrated history and the Battle of Bobbili (1757), but also for the Bobbili Veena, the distinctive traditional string instrument associated with the town’s royal musical heritage. Traditionally crafted from seasoned jackfruit wood, the veena holds a GI tag and is a symbol of Bobbili’s artistic and cultural legacy.
Pic: Bobbili Fort (Courtesy: P Uday Kumar)
