The Sound of Music
Part II: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
Part II: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. Which Mughal Emperor banned the playing of the musical instrument called pungi?
a. Akbar
b. Shah Jahan
c. Aurangzeb
d. Jahangir
2. Why was the playing of the pungi banned in the royal residence?
a. It was too loud
b. It had a shrill unpleasant sound
c. It was played by commoners
d. It was a foreign instrument
3. Who decided to improve the tonal quality of the pungi?
a. A royal courtier
b. Ustad Bismillah Khan
c. A barber of a family of professional musicians
d. Emperor Aurangzeb
4. How many holes did the barber make on the body of the pipe to create the shehnai?
a. Five
b. Six
c. Seven
d. Eight
5. What was Bismillah Khan playing near a pond in Dumraon as a five-year-old?
a. Cricket
b. Gilli-danda
c. Hide and seek
d. Kites
6. What prize did the local Maharaja give to Bismillah Khan for singing the Bhojpuri 'Chaita'?
a. A silver coin
b. A priceless Persian carpet
c. A big laddu weighing 1.25 kg
d. A gold medal
7. When was Bismillah Khan born?
a. 21 March 1916
b. 15 August 1947
c. 21 August 2006
d. 26 January 1950
8. Who was Bismillah Khan's grandfather?
a. Ali Bux
b. Paigambar Bux
c. Rasool Bux Khan
d. Ustad Faiyaz Khan
9. At what age did Bismillah Khan start taking an interest in music?
a. Five
b. Three
c. Ten
d. Fourteen
10. Where was Bismillah Khan's maternal uncle, Ali Bux, employed to play the shehnai?
a. Kashi Vishwanath temple
b. Balaji temple
c. Mangala Maiya temple
d. Vishnu temple of Benaras
11. What inspired Bismillah Khan to invent raagas that were earlier considered beyond the range of the shehnai?
a. The royal courts
b. The flowing waters of the Ganga
c. The Afghan landscapes
d. The Lincoln Centre Hall
12. Who patted the young boy's back at the Allahabad Music Conference?
a. Ali Bux
b. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru
c. Ustad Faiyaz Khan
d. Vijay Bhatt
13. When did Bismillah Khan get his big break?
a. With the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938
b. On 15 August 1947
c. During the Cannes Art Festival
d. When he was awarded the Bharat Ratna
14. What raag did Bismillah Khan play from the Red Fort on 15 August 1947?
a. Raag Bhairavi
b. Raag Darbari
c. Raag Kali
d. Raag Malhar
15. Where was Bismillah Khan's first trip abroad?
a. U.S.A.
b. Afghanistan
c. Japan
d. France
16. Which film director named a film after the instrument upon hearing Bismillah play?
a. Vikram Srinivas
b. Yash Chopra
c. Vijay Bhatt
d. Satyajit Ray
17. Why did Bismillah Khan limit his ventures in film music?
a. He did not earn enough money
b. He could not come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world
c. He wanted to focus only on temple music
d. He did not have time due to international tours
18. In which foreign city was an auditorium named "Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan"?
a. Osaka
b. Montreal
c. Teheran
d. Cannes
19. In which year was Ustad Bismillah Khan awarded the Bharat Ratna?
a. 1999
b. 2000
c. 2001
d. 2006
20. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
a. He was too old to travel
b. He did not like the American culture
c. His student could not transport River Ganga as well
d. He was offered a better position in India
MCQ Answers:
1. c
2. b
3. c
4. c
5. b
6. c
7. a
8. c
9. b
10. d
11. b
12. c
13. a
14. c
15. b
16. c
17. b
18. c
19. c
20. c
Assertion and Reason Questions
1. Assertion (A) Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence.
Reason (R) The pungi had a shrill unpleasant sound.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
2. Assertion (A) The newly improved instrument was named 'shehnai'.
Reason (R) It was first played in the Shah's chambers and was played by a nai (barber).
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
3. Assertion (A) Ustad Bismillah Khan is credited with bringing the shehnai onto the classical stage.
Reason (R) Till recently, the shehnai was used only in temples and weddings.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
4. Assertion (A) Bismillah Khan's ventures in film music were extensive and he composed music for over fifty films.
Reason (R) He could not come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
5. Assertion (A) The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired Bismillah Khan to improvise and invent new raagas.
Reason (R) These raagas were earlier considered to be beyond the range of the shehnai.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
6. Assertion (A) Bismillah Khan refused his student's offer to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A.
Reason (R) He wanted a much higher salary than what the student was offering.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
7. Assertion (A) Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai on 15 August 1947.
Reason (R) He played Raag Kali from the Red Fort to an audience which included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
8. Assertion (A) King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan gifted Bismillah Khan priceless Persian carpets.
Reason (R) The King was so taken in by the maestro's performance.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
9. Assertion (A) Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Reason (R) He asked all Indians to teach their children music as it is Hindustan's richest tradition.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
10. Assertion (A) Ustad Bismillah Khan's life is a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage of India.
Reason (R) A devout Muslim like him could very naturally play the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
(a) Both assertion and reason are true and reason is the correct explanation of assertion.
(b) Both assertion and reason are true but reason is not the correct explanation of assertion.
(c) Assertion is true but reason is false.
(d) Assertion is false but reason is true
(e) Both Assertion and Reason are false
Assertion and Reason Answers with explanations:
1. a
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence for it had a shrill unpleasant sound. Thus, the reason correctly explains the assertion.
2. a
Explanation: According to the text, the instrument was named the 'shehnai' because it was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by a nai (barber).
3. b
Explanation: Both statements are true as the text says the credit for bringing the instrument onto the classical stage goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan, and till recently it was used only in temples and weddings. However, the past usage is a fact, not the direct reason *why* he is credited; his actions are the reason.
4. d
Explanation: The assertion is false because Bismillah Khan's ventures in film music were limited to two films, not extensive. The reason is true as he stated he could not come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world.
5. a
Explanation: The text notes that the flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to improvise and invent raagas that were earlier considered to be beyond the range of the shehnai. Both are true and related in a cause-and-effect manner.
6. c
Explanation: The assertion is true as he did refuse to head a school in the USA. The reason is false because he refused because the student could not transport River Ganga, not because of salary demands.
7. b
Explanation: Both statements are factual according to the text. He was the first Indian to greet the nation, and he did so by playing Raag Kali from the Red Fort. The reason adds detail to the assertion but is not the causal explanation of the assertion.
8. a
Explanation: The text clearly mentions that King Zahir Shah was so taken in by the maestro that he gifted him priceless Persian carpets. Thus, the fascination is the exact reason for the gift.
9. b
Explanation: Both statements are true. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001, and upon receiving it, he advised teaching children music. However, his advice is not the reason he was given the award.
10. a
Explanation: The text states his life is a perfect example of India's cultural heritage precisely because it effortlessly accepts that a devout Muslim like him can very naturally play the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
Very Short Questions (1 Mark)
1. What did 'pungi' become the generic name for?
Answer: Pungi became the generic name for reeded noisemakers.
2. How many holes were made on the body of the pipe to create the shehnai?
Answer: Seven holes were made on the body of the pipe.
3. What does the term 'naubat' refer to?
Answer: 'Naubat' refers to the traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts.
4. Where did the five-year-old Bismillah Khan play gilli-danda?
Answer: He played gilli-danda near a pond in the ancient estate of Dumraon in Bihar.
5. Who was Rasool Bux Khan?
Answer: Rasool Bux Khan was Bismillah Khan's grandfather and the shehnai-nawaz of the Bhojpur king's court.
6. At what age did Bismillah Khan begin to take an interest in music?
Answer: He took to music early in life at the age of three.
7. Who patted young Bismillah Khan's back at the Allahabad Music Conference?
Answer: Ustad Faiyaz Khan patted his back.
8. What was the name of the film directed by Vijay Bhatt inspired by Bismillah Khan's playing?
Answer: The film was named Gunj Uthi Shehnai.
9. In which city was an auditorium named after Ustad Bismillah Khan?
Answer: An auditorium was named after him in Teheran.
10. When did Ustad Bismillah Khan pass away?
Answer: He passed away on 21 August 2006 at the age of ninety.
Short Questions (2 Marks)
1. How did the shehnai get its name?
Answer: The instrument was named 'shehnai' because it was first played in the Shah's chambers and was played by a nai, which means barber.
2. How is a shehnai physically different from a pungi?
Answer: The shehnai was made from a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi. Additionally, it had seven holes made on the body of the pipe.
3. Why did the local Maharaja give Bismillah Khan a big laddu?
Answer: The local Maharaja gave the little boy a big laddu weighing 1.25 kg as a prize because he would regularly go to the nearby Bihariji temple to sing the Bhojpuri 'Chaita'.
4. Why did Bismillah Khan limit his ventures in film music to just two films?
Answer: Bismillah Khan's ventures in film music were limited because he stated, "I just can't come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world".
5. Which places in Benaras became the young apprentice's favourite haunts for practice?
Answer: The temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya, as well as the banks of the Ganga, became his favourite haunts where he could practise in solitude.
6. What did King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan gift Bismillah Khan and why?
Answer: King Zahir Shah was so taken in by the maestro's performance that he gifted him priceless Persian carpets and other souvenirs.
7. What was Bismillah Khan's big break in 1938?
Answer: Bismillah Khan's big break came with the opening of the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938, where he soon became an often-heard shehnai player on the radio.
8. Mention any two international events or venues where Bismillah Khan performed.
Answer: Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to be invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA. He also took part in the World Exposition in Montreal and the Cannes Art Festival.
9. What message did Bismillah Khan give after receiving the Bharat Ratna?
Answer: Upon receiving the Bharat Ratna, he said, "Teach your children music, this is Hindustan's richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music".
10. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse his student's offer to head a shehnai school in the USA?
Answer: Bismillah Khan refused the offer because the student promised to recreate the atmosphere of Benaras by replicating the temples there, but Khansaab asked him if he would be able to transport River Ganga as well.
Short Questions (3 Marks)
1. Describe the origin of the shehnai as given in the text.
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the pungi due to its shrill sound, leading a barber from a family of professional musicians to improve it. He chose a longer, broader pipe with a natural hollow stem and made seven holes in it. When played, it produced soft and melodious sounds, and since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers by a nai (barber), it was named 'shehnai'.
2. Discuss Bismillah Khan's early childhood in Dumraon.
Answer: As a five-year-old, Bismillah Khan played gilli-danda near a pond in the ancient estate of Dumraon in Bihar. During his childhood, he would regularly visit the nearby Bihariji temple to sing the Bhojpuri 'Chaita'. For his singing, the local Maharaja would reward him with a big laddu weighing 1.25 kg.
3. Explain the role of Ali Bux in shaping Bismillah Khan's musical career.
Answer: Ali Bux, Bismillah Khan's maternal uncle, played a crucial role when the young boy visited Benaras at the age of three. Bismillah would sit captivated for hours on end watching his uncle play the shehnai at the Vishnu temple. Slowly, Ali Bux started giving him lessons in playing the instrument, leading Bismillah to practise throughout the day and master it.
4. How did the River Ganga influence Bismillah Khan's music?
Answer: The banks of the Ganga became one of the young apprentice's favourite haunts where he could practise in solitude. The flowing waters of the Ganga deeply inspired him. This inspiration led him to improvise and invent raagas that were earlier considered to be completely beyond the range of the shehnai.
5. Describe Bismillah Khan's historic performance on 15 August 1947.
Answer: When India gained independence on 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his shehnai. He played from the Red Fort, pouring his heart out into Raag Kali. His audience for this historic moment included Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who later gave his famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech.
6. What details in the text show that Bismillah Khan's music had a huge impact on the film industry?
Answer: Film director Vijay Bhatt was so impressed by Bismillah's playing at a festival that he named his film Gunj Uthi Shehnai after the instrument. Furthermore, one of Bismillah Khan's compositions in the film, "Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya....", turned out to be a nationwide chartbuster, demonstrating his massive success in the celluloid world.
7. List the international recognitions and honors conferred upon Bismillah Khan.
Answer: Bismillah Khan was the first Indian invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA. He participated in the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair. Internationally, he became so renowned that an auditorium in Teheran was named after him, 'Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan'.
8. How does the text show that Bismillah Khan was exceedingly fond of Benaras and Dumraon?
Answer: Despite travelling all over the world, Bismillah Khan considered Benaras and Dumraon to be the most wonderful towns. He declined an offer to head a school in the USA because he could not live without the River Ganga. He explicitly stated that whenever he was abroad, he kept yearning to see Hindustan, and while in Mumbai, he thought only of Benaras, the Ganga, and the unique mattha of Dumraon.
9. Why is Bismillah Khan considered a perfect example of India's rich cultural heritage?
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan's life exemplifies India's rich, cultural heritage because it perfectly represents the country's secular and composite fabric. The text highlights this by noting how it effortlessly accepts that a devout Muslim like him could very naturally play the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
10. Outline the details of Bismillah Khan's passing and the nation's response.
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21 August 2006 at the age of ninety. His death occurred after a prolonged illness. In honor of his immense contributions, he was given a state funeral and the Government of India declared one day of national mourning.
Long Questions (4 Marks)
1. Trace the journey of the shehnai from being a banned "reeded noisemaker" to a classical instrument.
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb initially banned the pungi in the royal residence because of its shrill unpleasant sound, and it became a generic name for reeded noisemakers. A barber from a family of professional musicians decided to improve it by taking a longer, broader pipe with a hollow stem, creating seven holes, and producing soft, melodious sounds. Played first in the Shah’s chambers by a nai, it was named the 'shehnai' and its sound began to be considered auspicious. For a long time, the shehnai was limited to the naubat in royal courts and played only in temples and weddings. The ultimate credit for elevating the shehnai and bringing this instrument onto the classical stage goes entirely to the dedication and genius of Ustad Bismillah Khan.
2. "The little boy has travelled far to earn the highest civilian award in India." Elaborate on Bismillah Khan's journey from Dumraon to the Bharat Ratna.
Answer: Bismillah Khan began his journey as a five-year-old boy playing gilli-danda in the estate of Dumraon, Bihar. He would sing the Bhojpuri 'Chaita' at the Bihariji temple to earn a 1.25 kg laddu from the local Maharaja. He took to music early, learning the shehnai from his uncle Ali Bux in Benaras, practising for hours on the banks of the Ganga. His big break came with the All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938, and he later made history by playing at the Red Fort on India's Independence Day in 1947. Through decades of memorable performances globally, he amassed national awards like the Padmashri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, culminating in 2001 when he was awarded India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
3. Analyze the impact of Benaras and the River Ganga on the life and music of Bismillah Khan.
Answer: Benaras and the River Ganga had a profound and foundational impact on Bismillah Khan's life and musical journey. As a young boy, he followed his uncle to the Vishnu temple in Benaras and spent years practicing in solitude at the temples of Balaji and Mangala Maiya, and on the banks of the Ganga. The flowing waters of the Ganga deeply inspired him, leading him to improvise and invent raagas that were previously considered beyond the range of the shehnai. His attachment was so strong that he refused a lucrative offer to head a shehnai school in the USA because the River Ganga could not be transported there. Even when he was in Mumbai, his thoughts were solely occupied by Benaras and the holy Ganga, proving they were the soul of his musical existence.
4. Detail Bismillah Khan's brief but highly successful stint in the film industry. Why did he leave it?
Answer: Bismillah Khan's entry into the film world was highly successful. Film director Vijay Bhatt was deeply impressed by his performance at a festival and named a film Gunj Uthi Shehnai after the instrument. The film became a hit, and Bismillah Khan's composition, "Dil ka khilona hai toot gaya....", became a massive nationwide chartbuster. He also contributed to Vikram Srinivas's Kannada venture, Sanadhi Apanna. Despite this huge success in the celluloid world, Bismillah Khan's ventures were limited strictly to these two films. He chose to leave the film industry because, as he emphatically stated, he "just can't come to terms with the artificiality and glamour of the film world".
5. Discuss the significance of Bismillah Khan's performance on the day India gained independence.
Answer: Bismillah Khan's performance on 15 August 1947 is highly significant in the history of India. On the very day India gained independence, Bismillah Khan earned the unique distinction of becoming the first Indian to greet the new nation with his shehnai. Performing from the iconic Red Fort, he poured his heart out into Raag Kali. His audience for this momentous occasion included prominent national figures, notably Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who immediately followed the performance with his famous 'Tryst with Destiny' speech. This event not only cemented Bismillah Khan's legacy in Indian history but also firmly established the shehnai as an instrument of national celebration and classical prominence.
6. Describe the various awards and international recognitions received by Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan's unparalleled mastery of the shehnai brought him immense national and international recognition. Abroad, King Zahir Shah of Afghanistan gifted him priceless Persian carpets. He became the very first Indian invited to perform at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall in the USA, and participated in the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair. His fame was so great that an auditorium in Teheran was named after him: Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan. In India, he was conferred top national awards including the Padmashri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan, eventually culminating in 2001 with India's highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.
7. How does the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan reflect the composite culture and secular fabric of India?
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan's life stands as a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage and secular fabric of India. Born into a devout Muslim family, he nonetheless spent his formative years playing the shehnai in Hindu temples, accompanying his uncle to the Vishnu temple, and practising in solitude at the temples of Balaji and Mangala Maiya. The text highlights that society effortlessly accepts that a devout Muslim like Khansaab could very naturally play the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, a deeply sacred Hindu site. His immense love for the holy River Ganga and the city of Benaras further showcases a life that beautifully transcended religious boundaries through the universal language of music.
8. Describe Bismillah Khan's deep bond with his motherland and how it affected his decisions regarding international offers.
Answer: Bismillah Khan possessed an incredibly deep and unshakable bond with his motherland, specifically the towns of Benaras and Dumraon, which he considered the most wonderful towns in the world. This profound attachment directly influenced his career decisions. When a student wanted him to head a shehnai school in the USA and promised to replicate the temples of Benaras, Khansaab refused by asking if the student could also transport the River Ganga. He admitted that whenever he was in a foreign country, he kept yearning to see Hindustan. His love was so deeply rooted that even when residing in Mumbai, he thought only of Benaras, the holy Ganga, and the unique mattha of Dumraon, proving his heart always remained in his homeland.
9. Explain the role of Bismillah Khan's family background and his early training under his maternal uncle in his success.
Answer: Bismillah Khan's success was heavily rooted in his strong familial legacy and early training. Born into a well-known family of musicians from Bihar, his lineage included his grandfather Rasool Bux Khan, the shehnai-nawaz of the Bhojpur king's court, and his father Paigambar Bux, who were all great shehnai players. This rich musical environment introduced him to music very early in life. At age three, he was deeply fascinated watching his maternal uncles practise in Benaras. His uncle Ali Bux became his mentor, taking Bismillah to the Vishnu temple where he was employed, and providing him with rigorous lessons. This constant exposure and the hours spent practicing under his uncle's guidance laid the unshakeable foundation for his mastery over the instrument.
10. Assess the contribution of Ustad Bismillah Khan to Indian classical music based on the chapter.
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan's contribution to Indian classical music is monumental. Prior to his efforts, the shehnai was restricted to the naubat (traditional ensemble) in royal courts and was solely used in temples and North Indian weddings. The singular credit for bringing this instrument onto the highly respected classical stage belongs to him. Through his relentless practice on the banks of the Ganga, he was inspired to improvise and invent new raagas that were previously considered entirely beyond the range of the shehnai. He elevated the instrument's status globally by performing at international platforms like the Lincoln Centre Hall and the Cannes Art Festival, ultimately proving that Indian classical traditions could command immense respect and awe worldwide.
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