“The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan” explores the inspiring life of a legendary musician. This comprehensive guide offers a summary, word meanings, Q&A, extra questions, MCQs, and detailed summaries in Hindi and Urdu, making it the ultimate resource for Class IX students to excel in their exams.
- Summary of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan by NCERT
- Words Meaning of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan by NCERT
- The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Questions and Answers
- The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Extra Questions and Answers
- MCQs for "The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan"
- बिस्मिल्लाह खान और उनकी शहनाई की कहानी
- Urdu Summary of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
Summary of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan by NCERT
The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan, from the NCERT Class 9 English textbook Beehive, narrates the inspiring journey of Bismillah Khan, the legendary Indian musician. The story highlights his role in making the shehnai an esteemed instrument. Born into a family of musicians, young Bismillah practised diligently at the Vishnu temple in Benaras. His devotion and talent helped him achieve mastery.
Bismillah Khan’s music was rooted in tradition but spoke universally. He performed at India’s independence in 1947, symbolising the country’s cultural pride. His love for India was unmatched; he declined offers to move abroad. The story reflects his humility, simplicity, and immense dedication.
This chapter from Moments and Beehive provides Class 9 students with a glimpse of a musician who truly lived for his art. It’s a perfect NCERT solution for understanding India’s rich heritage.
Words Meaning of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan by NCERT
Below is a list of difficult words and expressions from the story, along with their simple meanings:
| Words/Expressions | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Shehnai | A traditional Indian wind instrument, similar to a flute but with a distinct sound. |
| Indispensable | Absolutely necessary or very important. |
| Barber | A person whose job is to cut hair or shave beards. |
| Customary | Something that is traditional or usual. |
| Boon | A great benefit or advantage. |
| Temple | A place where people worship, especially in Hinduism. |
| Reed | A thin piece of wood or plant material used in wind instruments to produce sound. |
| Aura | A special quality or atmosphere that surrounds a person or thing. |
| Paganini of Shehnai | A metaphor comparing Bismillah Khan to Paganini, a famous violinist, for his unmatched skill. |
| Obsession | A strong and constant interest or focus on something. |
| Partition | The division of India into India and Pakistan in 1947. |
| Accolades | Awards or praise for great achievements. |
| Mentor | A teacher or guide who helps and supports someone. |
| Heritage | Traditions, culture, and history passed down from earlier generations. |
| Banaras | Another name for Varanasi, a city in India known for its cultural and religious significance. |
| Immortal | Living forever or being remembered forever. |
| Simplistic | Simple and easy, not complicated. |
| Harmony | A pleasing arrangement of sounds or peaceful coexistence. |
| Cultural pride | A feeling of honour in one’s traditions, arts, and way of life. |
The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Questions and Answers
Thinking about the Text
I. Tick the right answer
- The pungi was a ‘reeded noisemaker.’
- A barber transformed the pungi into a shehnai.
- Bismillah Khan’s paternal ancestors were professional musicians.
- Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from Ali Bux.
- 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.
| Bismillah Khan’s feelings about | Positive | Negative | Neutral |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teaching children music | ✔ | ||
| The film world | ✔ | ||
| Migrating to the U.S.A. | ✔ | ||
| Playing at temples | ✔ | ||
| Getting the Bharat Ratna | ✔ | ||
| The banks of the Ganga | ✔ | ||
| Leaving Benaras and Dumraon | ✔ |
III. Answer these questions
1. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?
Aurangzeb banned the pungi as it was considered a crude instrument that created unpleasant noise. It was associated with the courtiers and lacked refinement.
2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi?
The shehnai is longer, has a broader opening, and produces a melodious and soothing sound, unlike the pungi, which was loud and unpleasant.
3. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change this?
The shehnai was traditionally played at temples and weddings. Bismillah Khan elevated it to the level of classical music by performing at prestigious platforms.
4. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break?
Bismillah Khan’s big break came in 1938 at the All India Radio, Lucknow. His music captivated listeners, and he became a household name.
5. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on 15 August 1947? Why was the event historic?
On 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at the Red Fort in Delhi. It was a historic moment as India celebrated its first Independence Day.
6. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
Bismillah Khan refused the offer because he could not imagine leaving Benaras and the Ganga, which were deeply tied to his music and soul.
7. Find at least two instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loves India and Benaras.
Bismillah Khan turned down an offer to settle in the U.S.A. due to his love for Benaras and the Ganga. He also associated the soul of his music with the sacred city.
The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Extra Questions and Answers
Very Short Answer Type Questions
1. What is the significance of the Ganga in Bismillah Khan’s life?
The Ganga symbolised spiritual and musical inspiration for Bismillah Khan.
2. Name the awards received by Bismillah Khan for his contribution to music.
Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri.
3. Why is Bismillah Khan called the ‘Paganini of Shehnai’?
He is called the ‘Paganini of Shehnai’ because of his unmatched mastery and devotion to the instrument.
Short Answer Type Questions
1. What role did Ali Bux play in shaping Bismillah Khan’s career?
Ali Bux, Bismillah Khan’s mentor, introduced him to the shehnai and trained him rigorously in its nuances. His guidance was instrumental in shaping Bismillah’s career.
2. How did the shehnai get its name?
The name “shehnai” is derived from “shah” (king) and “nai” (barber), as a barber played it in the royal courts and transformed the crude pungi into this refined instrument.
3. How did Bismillah Khan contribute to the popularity of the shehnai?
Bismillah Khan brought the shehnai to global attention by performing at international concerts and on India’s Independence Day. He elevated it from a ceremonial instrument to a respected classical art form.
Long Answer Type Questions
1. Discuss the struggles and achievements of Bismillah Khan in his journey as a musician.
Bismillah Khan belonged to a family of musicians but worked tirelessly to master the shehnai. He performed at weddings and temples in his early days. His big break came at All India Radio. He made the shehnai a classical instrument, performed internationally, and won prestigious awards like the Bharat Ratna. Despite his fame, he remained humble and rooted in his cultural and spiritual heritage.
2. Explain how Bismillah Khan’s life and music are examples of cultural unity in India.
Bismillah Khan’s music blended Hindu and Muslim traditions, as he performed at temples and was deeply connected to the Ganga. His shehnai symbolised India’s rich cultural heritage. His life inspires unity through music and spirituality.
MCQs for “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”
Detail-Based Questions
1. According to the text, why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi?
a) It was too expensive to make
b) It was considered a reeded noisemaker
c) It was played only in temples
d) It was too complex to play
Answer: b
2. Who transformed the pungi into a shehnai?
a) A barber
b) Bismillah Khan
c) Aurangzeb
d) A court musician
Answer: a
Inference Questions
3. It can be inferred that Bismillah Khan refused to settle abroad because:
a) He was uncomfortable with new cultures
b) He loved India and its traditions deeply
c) He didn’t want to teach others
d) He lacked financial resources
Answer: b
4. What does Bismillah Khan’s refusal to establish a school in the U.S.A. imply about his character?
a) He was arrogant about his skills
b) He was deeply patriotic
c) He disliked teaching
d) He lacked confidence
Answer: b
Main Idea or Purpose Questions
5. What is the main idea of the story?
a) The evolution of the shehnai
b) The life and achievements of Bismillah Khan
c) The cultural significance of Indian music
d) The role of music in temples
Answer: b
6. What was the author’s purpose in writing this passage?
a) To highlight the origin of Indian classical music
b) To inspire readers with the story of a great musician
c) To explain how the shehnai was invented
d) To show the connection between religion and music
Answer: b
Vocabulary in Context Questions
7. What does the word “reeded” in the context of the pungi mean?
a) Made from bamboo
b) Having a series of thin vibrating strips that produce sound
c) Decorated with carvings
d) A traditional design
Answer: b
8. What does the phrase “Bismillah Khan’s big break” refer to?
a) His first international concert
b) His performance at the All India Radio
c) His historic performance on 15th August 1947
d) His Bharat Ratna award
Answer: c
Author’s Tone or Attitude Questions
9. How does the author feel about Bismillah Khan’s contributions?
a) Indifferent
b) Admiring
c) Critical
d) Neutral
Answer: b
10. What is the author’s attitude towards traditional Indian music?
a) Dismissive
b) Appreciative
c) Critical
d) Cynical
Answer: b
Sequence of Events Questions
11. What happened first in Bismillah Khan’s career?
a) He received the Bharat Ratna
b) He performed at the All India Radio
c) He learned to play the shehnai from his uncle
d) He played the shehnai on India’s Independence Day
Answer: c
12. What is the correct sequence of these events?
- Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon
- He learned the shehnai from Ali Bux
- He performed at the Red Fort in 1947
- He was awarded the Bharat Ratna
a) 1, 2, 3, 4
b) 2, 1, 3, 4
c) 4, 1, 2, 3
d) 3, 2, 1, 4
Answer: a
Cause and Effect Questions
13. What was the effect of Bismillah Khan’s performance at the Red Fort on 15th August 1947?
a) He became internationally famous
b) He was appointed to the All India Radio
c) It marked the celebration of India’s independence
d) He was awarded the Bharat Ratna
Answer: c
Comparison Questions
14. How does the shehnai compare to the pungi?
a) The shehnai is louder than the pungi
b) The shehnai has a more melodious sound
c) The shehnai is easier to play
d) The shehnai is smaller in size
Answer: b
15. What is the difference between Bismillah Khan’s feelings towards teaching music to children and moving abroad?
a) He disliked both equally
b) He was enthusiastic about both
c) He enjoyed teaching but did not want to leave India
d) He was indifferent to both
Answer: c
बिस्मिल्लाह खान और उनकी शहनाई की कहानी
परिचय
“शहनाई ऑफ बिस्मिल्लाह खान” कहानी एक प्रसिद्ध भारतीय संगीतकार बिस्मिल्लाह खान के जीवन और उनकी शहनाई के प्रति समर्पण को दर्शाती है। यह कहानी भारतीय संस्कृति, संगीत और परंपराओं को उजागर करती है।
शहनाई का उद्भव
शहनाई का जन्म एक साधारण वाद्य यंत्र पुंगी से हुआ। मुगल बादशाह औरंगज़ेब ने पुंगी को इसके कर्कश ध्वनि के कारण प्रतिबंधित कर दिया था। इसके बाद एक दरबारी नाई ने पुंगी को संशोधित कर शहनाई का रूप दिया। यह वाद्य यंत्र शाही दरबारों और मंदिरों में लोकप्रिय हुआ।
बिस्मिल्लाह खान का प्रारंभिक जीवन
बिस्मिल्लाह खान का जन्म बिहार के डुमरांव में एक संगीतकार परिवार में हुआ। बचपन में ही वे बनारस आ गए और अपने चाचा अली बक्स से शहनाई बजाना सीखा। उनका संगीत गंगा के किनारे और बनारस की गलियों से प्रेरित था।
संगीत के प्रति समर्पण
बिस्मिल्लाह खान ने शहनाई को एक अद्वितीय वाद्य यंत्र बना दिया। उन्होंने इसे शादियों और धार्मिक आयोजनों के अलावा शास्त्रीय संगीत में शामिल किया। वे अपने पहले सार्वजनिक प्रदर्शन के बाद ऑल इंडिया रेडियो का हिस्सा बने।
उनकी उपलब्धियां
बिस्मिल्लाह खान ने 15 अगस्त 1947 को लाल किले से शहनाई बजाई, जो भारत की आज़ादी के ऐतिहासिक पल का प्रतीक बन गया। उन्होंने देश-विदेश में अपनी कला का प्रदर्शन किया और भारत रत्न सहित कई प्रतिष्ठित पुरस्कार जीते।
भारतीय संस्कृति के प्रति प्रेम
बिस्मिल्लाह खान का अपने देश, बनारस और गंगा नदी से गहरा लगाव था। उन्होंने अमेरिका में शहनाई विद्यालय खोलने का प्रस्ताव ठुकरा दिया क्योंकि वे भारत छोड़कर कहीं और बसने की कल्पना नहीं कर सकते थे।
निष्कर्ष
बिस्मिल्लाह खान ने शहनाई को भारतीय संगीत का एक अहम हिस्सा बना दिया। उनकी कहानी संगीत के प्रति समर्पण और भारतीय संस्कृति की समृद्धि का प्रतीक है।
Urdu Summary of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
شہنائی آف بسم اللہ خان کا خلاصہ
تعارف
یہ سبق عظیم موسیقار بسم اللہ خان کی زندگی اور موسیقی کے شعبے میں ان کی شاندار خدمات کے بارے میں ہے۔ ان کی زندگی کی کہانی، شہنائی کے ارتقاء، اور ان کے ہندوستانی ثقافت اور موسیقی کے ساتھ گہرے لگاؤ کو بیان کیا گیا ہے۔
شہنائی کی ابتدا
شہنائی ایک روایتی ہندوستانی موسیقی کا آلہ ہے جس کا ارتقاء پungi سے ہوا۔ اورنگزیب کے دور میں پungi کو ایک شور مچانے والا آلہ سمجھا جاتا تھا اور اس پر پابندی لگا دی گئی تھی۔ ایک نائی (باربر) نے پungi میں تبدیلیاں کر کے اسے شہنائی میں تبدیل کیا۔
بسم اللہ خان کا تعارف
بسم اللہ خان 1916 میں بہار کے ایک چھوٹے گاؤں ڈمراؤں میں پیدا ہوئے۔ ان کے والد اور دادا موسیقار تھے، اور وہ اپنے چچا علی بخش سے شہنائی بجانا سیکھنے لگے۔ بنارس کے وشواناتھ مندر میں وہ روزانہ ریاض کرتے اور اپنی موسیقی کو بہتر بناتے۔
موسیقی میں کامیابی
بسم اللہ خان کی شہنائی کی موسیقی نے ان کو شہرت کی بلندیوں تک پہنچایا۔ 15 اگست 1947 کو، ہندوستان کی آزادی کے موقع پر، انہوں نے دہلی کے لال قلعے پر شہنائی بجائی، جو ان کی زندگی کا سب سے بڑا اعزاز تھا۔ یہ لمحہ ان کی موسیقی کے ذریعہ قومی جشن کا حصہ بن گیا۔
ان کی بین الاقوامی پہچان
بسم اللہ خان نے دنیا بھر میں اپنے فن کا مظاہرہ کیا۔ انہوں نے کئی بین الاقوامی کانفرنسوں اور محفلوں میں شرکت کی، لیکن کبھی بھی ہندوستان چھوڑ کر مستقل طور پر رہائش اختیار نہیں کی۔ وہ اپنے وطن، گنگا ندی، اور بنارس کے ساتھ گہرے لگاؤ رکھتے تھے۔
بسم اللہ خان کا طرزِ زندگی اور خدمات
انہوں نے اپنی زندگی میں کئی بڑے اعزازات حاصل کیے، جن میں بھارت رتن بھی شامل ہے، جو ہندوستان کا سب سے بڑا شہری اعزاز ہے۔ وہ سادگی پسند اور وطن سے محبت کرنے والے شخص تھے۔
نتیجہ
بسم اللہ خان کی کہانی موسیقی سے محبت، ثقافت سے وابستگی، اور اپنے وطن سے گہرے تعلق کا مظہر ہے۔ ان کی شخصیت اور خدمات آج بھی لوگوں کیلئے تحریک کا ذریعہ ہیں۔
Malik Mohd. Arshad is a Senior English Teacher at STS High School, Aligarh Muslim University, with 21+ years of experience in English Language Teaching (ELT). An M.A. in English and Linguistics, he combines traditional academic values with modern digital learning methods. He is also a certified alumnus of the Texas Intensive English Program (USA).
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