Chap2 The Sound of Music Part II

 

II - The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

Character Sketch: Ustad Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian musician, best known for popularizing the wind instrument, the shehnai. His name became indelibly linked with the instrument, elevating it to the status of a classical concert instrument. He mastered numerous musical forms and ragas and even improvised complex patterns that were once thought impossible to play on the shehnai.

He performed at both national and international concerts and dedicated years to practising the shehnai, often in Hindu temples. His musical genius was recognized worldwide, and he was honoured with India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001.

Additional Questions.

Short Answer Question.

Q1. How is Bismillah Khan’s life a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage of India?

Q2.  Why did Bismillah Khan not continue to work in celluloid world despite his initial huge success? 

Q3. How did the instrument ‘shehnai’ get its name?

Q4. Give an account of the achievements of Bismillah Khan (give your answer in about 150 words).

Long Answer Questions

Q5. How did Ustad Bismillah Khan contribute to the popularity of the shehnai? What qualities of his personality made him a true artist and a national pride?

Extract Based Question

Q6.  Read the extract given below and answer the questions that follow.

“In 2001, Ustad Bismillah Khan was awarded India’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. With the coveted award resting on his chest and his eyes glinting with rare happiness he said, “All I would like to say is” Teach your children music, this is Hindustan’s richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music.”

(a)      How did Bismillah feel on receiving the Bharat Ratna?

(b)      What did he say after receiving the award?

(c)       In which year was Bismillah Khan awarded the highest civilian award?

(d)      Explain : ‘coveted award’

 

Solved Question/Answers

I. Tick the right answer.

1. The (shehnai, pungi ) was a ‘reeded noisemaker.’

2. (Bismillah Khan, A barber, Ali Bux) transformed the pungi into a shehnai.

3. Bismillah Khan’s paternal ancestors were (barbers, professional musicians).

4. Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from (Ali Bux, Paigambar Bux, Ustad Faiyaaz Khan).

5. Bismillah Khan’s first trip abroad was to (Afghanistan, U.S.A., and Canada).

Answer:

1. The pungi was a ‘reeded noisemaker.’

2. A barber transformed the pungi into a shehnai.

3. Bismillah Khan’s paternal ancestors were professional musicians.

4. Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from Ali Bux.

5. Bismillah Khan’s first trip abroad was to Afghanistan.

II. Find the words in the text which show Ustad Bismillah Khan’s feelings about the items listed below. Then mark a tick (√) in the correct column. Discuss your answers in class.

Ans.

Bismillah Khan’s feelings about

Positive

Negative

Neutral

1. teaching children music

√

 

 

2. the film world

 

√

 

3. migrating to the U.S.A

 

√

 

4. playing at temples

√

 

 

5. getting the Bharat Ratna

√

 

 

6. the banks of the Ganga

√

 

 

7. leaving Benaras and Dumraon

 

√

 

 

III. Answer these questions in 30–40 words.

Q1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?

     Ans.   Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the musical instrument called pungi in the royal residence because its sound was shrill and unpleasant.

Q2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi?

     Ans. Shehnai has a better tonal quality than pungi. Its sound was softer and more melodious than pungi. It is made of a natural hollow stem pipe with holes on its body and it is longer and broader than the pungi.

Q3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?

 

 Ans. The sound of shehnai was considered auspicious therefore it was traditionally played in temples and weddings. It was part of the naubat or traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Bismillah Khan changed this by bringing it onto the classical stage.

Q4. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

Ans.  Bismillah Khan got his big break in 1938 with the opening of the All India Radio  Lucknow. He started playing the shehnai on radio and soon became a popular shehnai player.

Q5. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?

Ans. On 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai from the Red Fort. The event was historical because it was the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai on this occasion.

Q6. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?

Ans. Bismillah Khan refused one of his student’s request to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A. because he would not live away from Hindustan, specifically, from Benaras, the River Ganga and Dumraon.

Q7. Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.

Ans. In his initial years, Bismillah used to practise in the temples of Benaras and on the banks of River Ganga. Later, his love for India and Bernaras made him turn down the offer to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A.

 

 

 

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