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Bismillah Khan

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• IndiaNetzone - Bismillah Khan, Indian Classical Instrumentalist
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• MapsofIndia.com - 21 March 1913: Bismillah Khan, shehnai maestro, was born
• Cultural India - Indian Music - Biography of Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan (born March 21, 1916, Dumraon, Bihar and Orissa province, British India—died August 21, 2006, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh , India) was an Indian musician who played the shehnai , a ceremonial oboelike North Indian horn, with such expressive virtuosity that he became a leading Indian classical music artist. His name was indelibly linked with the woodwind instrument.

Khan was born into a family of court musicians in Bihar . He was apprenticed to his uncle, Ali Baksh, who played the shehnai in Vishvanatha, a Hindu temple in Varanasi . He accompanied his uncle in playing at ceremonies for Hindu deities as well as at weddings. Khan learned numerous musical forms and ragas , and he improvised patterns that had been considered impossible for the shehnai . His concert performance at the All-India Music Conference in Kolkata in 1937 gained him public respect, and the shehnai , traditionally used only in a ceremonial capacity, came to be seen as a classical music instrument. Years of concert and radio performances and recordings followed.

Khan was a devout Muslim but performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies and was considered a symbol of religious harmony. His fame was such that he was selected to perform for the ceremony at Delhi ’s historic Red Fort as the Indian flag unfurled at the hour of India’s independence on August 15, 1947; his music was played on television every Independence Day. He turned down invitations to perform in other countries before 1966, when the Indian government insisted that he play at the Edinburgh International Festival . This gained him a following in the West, and he continued to appear in Europe and North America thereafter. In 2001 Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna , India’s highest civilian honour, and the country observed a national day of mourning following his death in 2006.

Bismillah Khan

Date of Birth: 21 March, 1916

Place of Birth: Dumraon, Buxar, Bihar

Birth Name: Qamaruddin Khan

Date of Death: 21 August, 2006

Place of Death: Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Profession: Musician

Children: Zamin Hussain, Nazim Hussain, Nayyar Hussain, Kazim Hussain, Mehtab Hussain, Soma Ghosh (adopted daughter)    

Father: Paigambar Baksh Khan

Mother: Mitthan

Awards: Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri

Without Bismillah Khan, we wouldn’t have realized the true potential of a humble wind instrument known as Shehnai. Such was his impact in popularizing Shehnai, a subcontinental instrument belonging to the oboe class. What was regarded as a mere folk instrument went on to be recognized as a classical instrument. What more, it not only attracted Asian music lovers but also made millions of Westerners recognize and appreciate the potential of Shehnai, all thanks to Bismillah Khan. He had fallen in love with his musical instrument, so much so that he would often refer to it as his wife! Well, falling in love with something is one thing, but making millions of others fall in love with it is something else. That is exactly what the legendary musician managed to accomplish during his reign as the world’s most loved Shehnai player.

Childhood & Early Life

Bismillah Khan was born as the second son to Paigambar Khan and Mitthan. He was named Qamaruddin so that his name would sound similar to the name of his elder brother, Shamsuddin. However, when his grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan, saw him as a baby, he uttered the word "Bismillah" and hence he came to be known as Bismillah Khan. His family had a musical background and his ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely states of Bhojpur. 

His father used to be a Shehnai player in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon. Quite naturally, Bismillah was introduced to Shehnai at a very young age. He grew up seeing his father play the wind instrument and decided to follow in his footsteps. When he was six years old, he began his journey to Varanasi, where he was trained by his uncle, Ali Baksh 'Vilayatu'. Young Bismillah considered his uncle as his Guru and learnt the nuances of playing the instrument, until he perfected every aspect of it.

Bismillah Khan began his career by playing at various stage shows. He got his first major break in 1937, when he played at a concert at All India Music Conference in Calcutta. This performance brought Shehnai into the limelight and was hugely appreciated by music lovers. He then went on to play in many countries including Afghanistan, USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, West Africa, Japan, Hong Kong and in various parts of Europe. During his illustrious career he played in many prominent events throughout the world. Some of the events that he played in include World Exposition in Montreal, Cannes Art Festival and Osaka Trade Fair. 

A Rare Honor

Bismillah Khan had the rare honor of playing his Shehnai on the eve of India's independence in the year 1947. He performed at the Red Fort in Delhi and since then, continued to play every year on the 15th of August, right after the speech by the Prime Minister of India. Bismillah’s performance was considered the main attraction of Independence Day celebrations for a very long time. His performance reached thousands of households as it was broadcast live by Doordarshan.

Khan’s Date with Cinema

• Goonj Uthi Shehnai – The Hindi film ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’ had shehnai recitals by Bismillah Khan himself. Also studded with recitals from other famous musicians like Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan and Amir Khan, the movie went on to become a blockbuster. It had its music composed by Vasant Desai.
• Sanaadi Appanna – In 1977, the maestro from Varanasi flew all the way to the Prasad Studios in Chennai to work on a Kannada film titled ‘Sanaadi Appanna’. He spent nine days there along with his troupe, consisting ten members. He had decided to work on the film as its lead character, played by Dr. Rajkumar, was a rural shehnai artiste. Bismillah Khan’s brilliance formed the major part of the movie, which had its music composed by G. K. Venkatesh.
• Sange Meel Se Mulaqat – ‘SangeMeel Se Mulaqat’ is a documentary on Bismillah Khan’s life directed by Goutam Ghose. The film features the maestro himself and gives a fair idea about his growth from a young shehnai player to one of India’s best.

What Made Bismillah Khan Special?

Bismillah Khan monopolized shehnai recital in the post-independence era and kept the legacy of classical music alive with his recitals. He can truly be called as a pure artist and music lover as he always believed that music will survive even if the world perishes. He believed in the unity of Hindus and Muslims and spread the message of brotherhood through his music. He always announced that music has no caste. 

Despite the fame that he achieved, Bismillah Khan always remained where his roots were. He never accumulated wealth and other materialistic possessions and lived in humble surroundings in the holy city of Benares. He loved his city so much so that he declined an offer of permanent Visa for settling down in the US.

A Living Example

Bismillah Khan not just stressed upon Hindu-Muslim unity but was also a living example of the same. Though he was a pious Shia Muslim, nobody could stop him from worshipping the Hindu Goddess Saraswati. Also, there is an interesting tale which narrates the maestro’s possible interaction with Lord Krishna Himself!

The story begins in a train journey, when Bismillah Khan was traveling from Jamdshedpur to Varanasi, where he was to perform in a religious concert. On his way, the experienced musician couldn’t help but notice a young boy with a dark complexion, holding a flute in his hand. To his surprise, the boy started playing his musical instrument, but the maestro himself couldn’t recognize the ‘raaga’. Bismillah Khan was quick enough to realize the divinity involved in the young boy’s music and asked him to play the same tune over and over again.

After reaching Varanasi, Bismillah Khan is said to have played the same tune, which he had learned from the young and mysterious boy. When contemporary musicians and greats asked him about the new ‘raaga’, the Ustad told them the ‘raaga’ he played is called ‘Kanhaira’.

Awards and Achievements

• Bharat Ratna – In 2001, Bismillah Khan was conferred with Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award.
• Padma Vibhushan – In 1980, he was honoured with the Padma Vibhusha, which is the country’s second highest civilian award.
• Padma Bhushan – India’s third highest civilian award was conferred on him in the year 1968.
• Padma Shri – In the year 1961, Bismillah Khan was honored with the nation’s fourth highest civilian award.
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award – This award was given to him by India's National Academy of Music, Dance & Drama in the year 1956.
• Tansen Award – The government of Madhya Pradesh honored him with the Tansen Award for his contribution to the field of music.
• Talar Mausiquee – This award was given to him by the Republic of Iran in the year 1992.

Personal Life and Family

Bismillah Khan led a simple life which made him a likeable character. He used to eat simple food like rice and dal and traveled by cycle rickshaw. Bismillah Khan enjoyed the company of his family members, who were huge in number. Though he had five biological sons, he had adopted a daughter as well. This led to the expansion of his family and he had the privilege of raising his grandchildren and great grandchildren. 

On 21st August 2006, at the age of 90, Ustad Bismillah Khan breathed his last after suffering a cardiac arrest. His Shehnai was buried with him in his grave at Fatemain burial ground, under a neem tree. A day of national mourning was declared by the Indian government and the maestro was sent off by the Indian Army with their trademark gun salute.

Legend Lives On

Though Bismillah Khan didn’t accept many as his disciples, who would have otherwise carried on his legacy, he made an everlasting impact on the field of music. In 2007, the famous Sangeet Natak Akademi came up with a new award ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’, which is given to young performers in the field of dance, music and theatre. There are many biographies of Bismillah Khan, written by eminent authors. Some of the biographies include ‘Bismillah Khan and Banaras: the seat of shehnai’ by Rita Ganguly, ‘Shahnai Vadak Ustad Bismillah Khan’ by Murli Manohar Shrivastava and ‘Bismillah Khan: The Maestro from Benaras’ by Juhi Sinha.  

Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 100 to 300 Words for Students

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Many young musicians often struggle to find inspiration, feeling that the world of music is too vast and complex. This feeling can make them anxious, wondering if they will ever make a mark in such a competitive field. However, the story of Bismillah Khan, a legendary musician, offers a beacon of hope. He mastered the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument, and elevated it to a classical status. His journey illustrates how dedication and passion can turn challenges into triumphs, proving that with the right guidance and perseverance, anyone can achieve greatness in music.

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Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 100 words

Bismillah Khan was a legendary musician from India, renowned for his mastery of the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument. Born in 1916 in Bihar, he brought the shehnai from the royal courts and religious festivals to the international concert stage. He was a child prodigy, performing at the All India Music Conference at the age of 14, which marked the beginning of his illustrious career.

Khan’s music was deeply rooted in the Indian classical tradition, and he was known for his emotional depth and melodic skills. His fame reached a peak when he performed at India’s Independence Day celebrations in 1947. The government honored him with several awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, recognizing his contribution to Indian music and culture.

Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 150 words

Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of India’s most celebrated musicians, famous for playing the shehnai, a classical Indian musical instrument. Born in a small village in Bihar in 1916, Khan’s musical journey began under the tutelage of his uncle, who was also a shehnai player at the Varanasi temple. Khan’s dedication to mastering the shehnai was evident as he practiced for hours on the banks of the Ganges.

His breakthrough came when he performed at the prestigious Calcutta All India Music Conference in 1937, which catapulted him to national fame. Khan’s music transcended religious boundaries, embodying the spirit of universal brotherhood. His performance at the Red Fort on the eve of India’s independence in 1947 remains one of his most memorable performances.

He received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. In 2001, he was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honor, in recognition of his unparalleled contributions to Indian music and culture. His legacy continues to inspire young musicians across the country.

Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 200 words

Ustad Bismillah Khan was an iconic figure in Indian classical music, celebrated for his virtuosity in playing the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument. Born in 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar, Khan was a musical prodigy who started learning the shehnai from his uncle at a very young age. He moved to Varanasi, where he practiced and performed extensively, often on the banks of the river Ganges.

His unique ability to infuse emotion and expressiveness into his performances earned him a formidable reputation. Khan’s music played a significant role in elevating the shehnai from a ceremonial and folk instrument to a prominent place in Indian classical music concerts. His career reached a historic milestone when he performed at the Independence Day celebrations in 1947 at the Red Fort in Delhi. This event was broadcast live and heard by millions, permanently associating his music with the Indian freedom movement.

Throughout his life, Khan remained a deeply spiritual man who believed music was a way to connect with the divine. His contributions to music were recognized with numerous awards, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001, making him one of the few musicians to receive this honor. Bismillah Khan’s legacy is not just in the notes he played, but in the bridges he built between communities and the inspiration he provided to countless individuals across generations. His music remains a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage.

Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 250 words

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a legendary musician from India, renowned for his mastery of the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument. Born on March 21, 1916, in Bihar, Bismillah Khan hailed from a family of musicians. His early exposure to music under the tutelage of his uncle helped him develop his skills from a young age. Bismillah Khan’s contribution to Indian classical music is immense, as he transformed the shehnai from a mere ceremonial instrument played in weddings and temples to a prominent fixture in the concert halls of India and abroad.

Throughout his life, Bismillah Khan played at various national and significant events, including the first Independence Day celebrations in 1947. His music was deeply rooted in the city of Varanasi, where he lived most of his life, drawing inspiration from the Ganges and the city’s vibrant cultural life. Bismillah Khan was awarded India’s highest civilian awards, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001, acknowledging his outstanding contribution to music.

His devotion to music was matched by his commitment to simplicity and his deep-seated values. Despite receiving numerous international invitations, he chose to live a simple life in Varanasi, immersed in his art and cultural heritage. Bismillah Khan’s legacy is a testament to the power of music in bridging cultural gaps and promoting harmony. He remains an icon in the world of Indian classical music, inspiring generations with his passion and dedication to the shehnai.

Paragraph on Bismillah Khan in 300 words

Ustad Bismillah Khan is one of the most celebrated Indian musicians, primarily known for his virtuosic playing of the shehnai. He was born in 1916 in Bihar, and from a young age, was immersed in the rich musical traditions of his family. His exceptional talent with the shehnai brought this traditional wind instrument into the limelight, elevating it to a classical mainstay.

Bismillah Khan’s music is renowned for its purity, emotional depth, and technical finesse. He was a regular performer at major cultural events and religious festivals, symbolizing India’s rich cultural tapestry through his performances. Notably, he played at the Red Fort on the eve of India’s independence in 1947, a momentous event in the country’s history.

His dedication to the shehnai was paralleled by his love for Varanasi, the city that shaped his musical sensibilities. This connection influenced his renditions, which often reflected the spiritual and cultural ambiance of Varanasi. Bismillah Khan was a recipient of numerous awards, including the Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna, which are among the highest civilian honors in India.

Despite his global fame, he remained deeply rooted in his traditions, living a life of simplicity. Bismillah Khan’s life and work are a beacon of dedication and passion for the arts, reflecting the essence of Indian cultural heritage. His legacy continues to inspire not only musicians but also those who believe in the cultural richness and spiritual depth of Indian classical music.

Bismillah Khan’s contributions have made a lasting impact on the world of music and beyond, showcasing the universal language of music that transcends cultural boundaries and unites people across the globe. His life’s work stands as a bridge between the traditional and the modern, illustrating the timeless nature of Indian classical music.

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Paragraph on Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned musician of India and had mastered playing shehnai. He had a great role in making shehnai music popular in India and the world. Music is a collection of different types of pleasant sounds that gives a soothing effect to our mind and body. This pleasant sound is composed by using different musical instruments. The beautiful soothing music that we hear is made possible by the musicians having proficiency in playing different musical instruments. There have been several great artists and musicians born in India and Ustad Bismillah Khan is one of the shining stars among them.

Short and Long Paragraphs on Bismillah Khan

The topic ‘Bismillah Khan’ is very important for school students and exam aspirants. The students are often asked to write an essay, assignment, project, etc on this topic. They find difficulty in thinking that what things have to be included in writing on this topic. In the same reference, I have provided sets of short and long paragraphs on this topic. I hope that this might be useful to all students in giving them an idea of writing essays, paragraphs, or assignments on this topic.

Paragraph 1 – 100 Words (A Glance On A Famous Indian Musician)

Bismillah Khan is a popular name in the field of Indian classical music. He was a famous shehnai player and gave national as well as international fame to this folk music. This great musician was born on 21st of March in the year 1916 in the Bihar state of India. He was born in a family that was linked with the art of music from generations. Apart from being a great shehnai player, he was also a very generous person by nature. He had learned to play shehnai from his uncle Ali Baksh Khan who used to play shehnai in Kashi Vishwanath temple of Varanasi. Bismillah Khan also accompanied his uncle to play shehnai in different ceremonies. He has bagged several awards and achievements for his excellent skill of playing shehnai.

Paragraph 2 – 120 Words (Bismillah Khan’s Contribution Popularizing Shehnai)

I think that you all would have heard of the beautiful and melodious sound of shehnai often in the marriage ceremonies. Isn’t it true? It is really difficult to imagine that the instrument shehnai that was earlier only the part of folk music has gained the status of becoming classical music. The credit of bringing this form of music to such a height goes to the famous Indian music player named Bismillah Khan. Shehnai is a musical instrument that has been instituted in India. This instrument is made up of wood at one end and has a bell-like metal structure at the other end. It is because of the Ustad Bismillah Khan that shehnai is known in the entire nation and different parts of the world. The people living in western countries now recognize this instrument and show curiosity in learning to play the same. Bismillah Khan is therefore regarded as a precious jewel in the history of India.

Paragraph 3 – 150 Words (Bismillah Khan: The Pride of India)

The word shehnai brings the name of great musician Bismillah Khan in our mind. He is popularly said as the pride of the holy city Varanasi in India. He was a person who believed in simple living and high thinking. This was only the thing that differentiated this great personality from others. He had made a lot of effort to become a great musician in India. He started his day with rigorous exercise and then he used to play shehnai throughout the day. Mostly he used to practice playing shehnai near the river Ganga and the temple areas in Varanasi. He was a very spiritual person and greatly believed in God. He also said that his excel in this art was only because of the blessings of Lord Shiva. The great success that he had achieved in his life is because of his earnest love in his passion for playing shehnai. He had travelled to different parts of the world after becoming a famous shehnai player. Many of the countries requested him to stay there for his entire life but he never accepted the same because of his love with Indian state Varanasi. This great musician took his last breath on 21st August 2006 and his death was a great loss for the nation.

Paragraph 4 – 200 Words (An Account On Early Life Of Bismillah Khan)

The country India is a treasure of several talented personalities in the field of art and culture. Bismillah Khan is one among them and is regarded as the famous Shehnai player of India. His ultimate love for playing the instrument shehnai has made this art rank among the finest classical music in India. He was given the title of ‘Ustad’ because of his excellence in his art.

Early Life Of Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born to Paigambar Baksh and Mitthan Khan on 21st March in the year 1916 in Dumrao a small town in Buxar city of Indian state Bihar. His family members were involved in the profession of music from generations. Qamruddin Khan was the original name of Bismillah Khan. Bismillah Khan which means ‘in the name of Allah’ was the name given to him by his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan. He went to Varanasi to learn to play Shehnai from his maternal uncle Ali Baksh Khan at the age of six years. Thereafter, he never went away from there and always remained in Varanasi. He tied a knot with his own cousin in the year 1932 and had nine children.

Patron Of Hindu-Muslim Unity

Ustad Bismillah Khan was born in a traditional Muslim family in the Bihar state of India but he is regarded as a patron of Hindu-Muslim unity in the nation. He wanted that the power of music keep the people united and live together. He was a great devotee of goddess Saraswati. Moreover, he used to say that he would play the shehnai because of the blessing of Lord Shiva. He practiced playing shehnai near the temples and in this way, he was promoting the Hindu-Muslim unity in the nation.

Paragraph 5 – 250 Words (Ustad’s Journey Of Becoming A Famous Shehnai Player)

The legendry Shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan is a famous name that is recognized very well in India and the entire world. He had added great beauty to the Indian classical music by ornamenting it with the melody of shehnai. His entire life and the effort that he made to reach such a height of success is full of inspiration for the younger generations.

His Journey Of Becoming A Famous Shehnai Player

Bismillah Khan started playing shehnai at a very small age of six years. He was greatly in love with this art and used to call his shehnai his ‘begum’. He learnt to play Shehnai music on different types of ragas and he gave the melody of this instrument to the most difficult ragas that were really impossible to be done with shehnai. In the year 1937, the concert performance at the All India Music Conference in Kolkata gave him great publicity in the nation as a famous shehnai player. Later, he started performing in different concerts held in the nation as well as different countries of the world.

The great musician Bismillah Khan played shehnai in the year 1947, on the eve of first Independence Day at Red Fort. Since then his performance at Red Fort every year had become a part of the Independence Day celebration in the nation. He had also performed in different Bollywood movies and had bagged several awards for the same.

Awards Conferred On Bismillah Khan

Ustad Bismillah Khan had been awarded several awards and achievements for his remarkable contribution to the field of music. He had received India’s highest civilian award named ‘Bharat Ratna’ in the year 2001. He was the third musician in India to get this award after Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar. ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Puraskar’ was the name of award started by the Sangeet Natak Academi in the year 2007 to give tribute to the great musician Bismillah Khan. He had also bagged the Sangeet Natak Academi fellowship and award in 1994 and 1956. He had also been awarded the Tansen award by the government of Madhya Pradesh. There are several awards and honours that have been received by the famous shehnai player Ustad Bismillah Khan for his remarkable contributions to Indian music.

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FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions On Bismillah Khan

Ans. Bismillah Khan was popularly called ‘Khan Saab’.

Ans. Tehran is the country in the world that has built an auditorium named ‘Tahar Mosiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan’ in honour of Bismillah Khan.

Ans. Raag Kafi was played by Bismillah Khan on India’s first Independence Day on 15th August in the year 1947.

Ans. Bismillah Khan’s first abroad trip for playing Shehnai was to Afghanistan.

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Bismillah Khan Biography

Birthday: March 21 , 1913 ( Aries )

Born In: Dumraon, Bihar

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great Shehnai player from India. His name was and will forever be associated with shehnai, the musical instrument that he made famous with his talent and deliberation in the post independent India. Khan belonged to a family of traditional musicians of Bihar who used to play in the courts of the princely states, which is why playing shehnai came very natural to him. He was brilliant at what he did - the reason why he had always played at the important national events for national audience like the first Indian Independence Day and first Republic Day. Khan with his simplicity, love for music and straightforwardness did not only become a national favorite but also gained a lot of popularity and love from the west. For his creativity and mastery in his art, Khan was bestowed with the title of ‘Ustad’ and earned many accolades like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University and Viswa Bharati University.

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Also Known As: Qamaruddin Khan

Died At Age: 93

father: Paigambar Khan

mother: Mitthan

Born Country: India

Indian Men Aries Musicians

Died on: August 21 , 2006

place of death: Varanasi

awards: Bharat Ratna Padma Vibhushan Padma Bhushan

Padma Shri Sangeet Natak Akademi Award honorary doctorates from Banaras Hindu University and Viswa Bharati University

You wanted to know

What is bismillah khan famous for.

Bismillah Khan was a renowned Indian shehnai player known for popularizing this traditional wind instrument.

How did Bismillah Khan contribute to Indian classical music?

Bismillah Khan played a significant role in popularizing and elevating the status of shehnai in Indian classical music.

Where did Bismillah Khan perform his most memorable concert?

Bismillah Khan's most memorable performance was at the Red Fort in Delhi on the eve of India's Independence Day in 1947.

What impact did Bismillah Khan have on the cultural landscape of India?

Bismillah Khan's music transcended cultural boundaries and played a crucial role in promoting unity and harmony among diverse communities in India.

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Bismillah Khan was known for his love of wearing colorful and unique sherwanis, which added to his charismatic stage presence.

Bismillah Khan was a self-taught musician who learned to play the shehnai by observing and imitating his uncle, the renowned shehnai player Ali Bux.

He was a dedicated environmentalist and often spoke out about the importance of preserving green spaces and planting trees for future generations.

Bismillah Khan was a firm believer in the power of music to bring people together and promote peace, and he frequently participated in concerts and events that aimed to foster harmony among different communities.

See the events in life of Bismillah Khan in Chronological Order

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Shehnai Maestro Bismillah Khan’s biography: Early life, career, achievements, legacy, and more

Today marks the birthday of the legendary classical musician ustad bismillah khan: get to know about his early life, how he started his career as a musician and more..

Originally known as Qamruddin Khan, Bismillah Khan was born on 21st March 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar and Orissa province, British India. He was a classical musician who played shehnai, a ceremonial oboelike North Indian horn with such expressive inventiveness that he became a prominent Indian classical music artist. In this article, you will get to know about his early life, education, career, awards and recognition, and more. So without further ado, let’s get started. 

My tribute to the great Indian Shehnai Maestro "Bharat Ratna" Ustad Bismillah Khan Ji on his birthday. pic.twitter.com/sxetC6ykfb — Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) March 21, 2015

Bismillah Khan Biography

Bismillah Khan: Early life 

Born as the second son to Paigambar Khan and Mitthan, Bismillah Khan was earlier named Qamaruddin so that his name would sound similar to the name of his elder brother, Shamsuddin. However, when his grandfather, Rasool Baksh Khan held him as a baby, he uttered the word "Bismillah" and hence came to be known as Bismillah Khan. 

Khan’s family ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely states of Bhojpur and his father was a Shehnai player in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh. Being born into a family of musicians, Bismillah Khan started developing a knack for music during his childhood. Growing up watching his father play shehnai, he decided to follow in his footsteps. 

Bismillah Khan: Career 

The honor of playing on the eve of india’s independence , bismillah khan: personal life and family, bismillah khan: cinema performances .

Bismillah Khan: Awards and Recognition 

Bismillah Khan: A living example of religious harmony 

Although Khan was a Shia Muslim, he worshiped the goddess Saraswati and performed at both  Hindu and Muslim ceremonies. There’s also a story that narrates Khan’s interaction with Lord Krishna himself. It starts on his train journey from Jamshedpur to Varanasi where he was going to perform in a religious concert. During his journey, he came across a young boy with a dark complexion, holding a flute in his hand. The boy was playing the ‘raaga’ that Ustad couldn’t recognize. He asked the boy to play the same tune repeatedly. 

Bismillah Khan: Legacy 

Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the most legendary classical musicians to popularize shehnai in Indian classical music. He invented new raagas and patterns that made a significant impact on musicians. Although he didn’t accept many students as his disciples that could have carried his legacy, he made such an everlasting impact on music that he became unforgettable. 

In his honor, Sangeet Natak Akademi came up with a new award called ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ which is awarded to young performers who bring a new perspective to the field of music, dance, and theatre. 

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• Bismillah Khan

Biography of Bismillah Khan For UPSC

Bismillah Khan, popularly known as ‘Ustad’ was an Indian musician who played a pivotal role in bringing a reed musical instrument, shehnai, to the classical stage of Indian music. He was one of the greatest exponents of Indian classical music and the third classical musician to receive the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour of the country.

Read about Ustad Bismillah Khan and his contribution to Indian classical music in the following article.

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Ustad Bismillah Khan- Download PDF Here

Early Life of Bismillah Khan

• Bismillah Khan was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, as the second son of Paigamar Khan and Mitthan. His ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely state of Bhojpur. His father was a musician in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon.
• He got introduced to shehnai through his maternal uncle, Ali Baksh ‘Vilayatu’, who was the official shehnai player at the famous VishwanathTemple in Banaras. Noticing Bismillah Khan’s interest in music, Ali Baksh started tutoring him in lessons of shehnai. He accompanied Ali Baksh for his lengthy practice sessions in temple rooms at Balaji Ghat. His genuine enthusiasm got him involved in the world of music. He practised for long hours with his uncle and got familiarised with different forms of music and ragas.
• His long hours of dedicated practice sessions improvised his craft and talent. He played shehnai on the banks of the River Ganga at the Vishwanath Temple. Drawing inspiration from the flowing waters of Ganga, he invented ragas beyond the range of shehnai. He experimented with the music to make it more appealing. He was also a devotee of Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of wisdom and arts.
• The first major musical concert that gained popularity was his performance at the All India Muslim Conference in 1937 in Kolkota. With the performance, shehnai, which was primarily used for ceremonies, was elevated to the level of a classical musical instrument.
• Bismillah Khan began his career by playing at various stage shows. He got his first break in 1937 when he played at a concert for the All India Music Conference in Calcutta. This performance brought shehnai into the limelight, and was largely accepted by music lovers.
• He gave concerts in many countries, including Afghanistan, the USA, Canada, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, West Africa, Japan, Hong Kong, and various parts of Europe.
• During his illustrious career, he played in many prominent events throughout the world. Some of the events where he played shehnai include the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair.

Association with Films

• Goonj Uthi Shehnai – The Hindi film ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’ had a shehnai recital by Bismillah Khan himself. Also studded with recitals from other famous musicians like Abdul Halim Jaffar Khan and Amir Khan, the movie went on to become a blockbuster. It had its music composed by Vasant Desai.
• Sanaadi Appanna – In 1977, the maestro from Varanasi flew to the Prasad Studios in Chennai to work on a Kannada film titled ‘Sanaadi Appanna’. He spent nine days there, along with his troupe, consisting of ten members. He had decided to work on the film as its lead character, played by Dr. Rajkumar, was a rural shehnai artiste. Bismillah Khan’s brilliance formed the determining part of the movie, where the music was composed by G. K. Venkatesh.
• Sange Meel Se Mulaqat – ‘SangeMeel Se Mulaqat’ is a documentary on Bismillah Khan’s life directed by Goutam Ghose. The film features the maestro himself, and gives a fair idea about his growth from a young shehnai player to one of India’s best.
• Ustad Bismillah Khan believed that music has no caste. He fostered Hindu-Muslim unity and tried to spread the message of brotherhood through his music.
• He received the honour of playing Shehnai on the eve of India’s Independence in 1947.
• He trained students with the thought that there was only little that he could share with his students. He believed that his skill is the result of blessings from Lord Shiva. His followers include S.Ballesh, a famous Shehnai player, and Krishna Ballesh. He also taught Shehnai to his sons, Nazim Hussain and Nayyar Hussain.

Later Years

• On 21 August 2006, he died of cardiac arrest at Heritage hospital in Varanasi.
• He received the highest Civilian Honour of the country, Bharat Ratna in 2001.
• The Government of Kerala presented him the Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram in 1998.
• He was selected as a fellow of Sangeet Nataka Akademi in 1994.
• He received the second-highest civilian honour of the country, Padma Vibhushan in 1980, and the third-highest civilian honour in the country, Padma Bhushan, in 1968. He was awarded Padma Shri in 1961.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ustad Bismillah Khan

Why is Bismillah Khan called ‘Ustad’?

Bismilla Khan’s extraordinary talent and dedication to playing the musical instrument, shehnai, garnered worldwide recognition. This earned him the title ‘Ustad’ or maestro as he was the greatest exponent of shehnai during those times.

How did Ustad Bismilla Khan spread the message of religious harmony through his music?

Ustad Bismillah Khan Khan strongly believed that music has no boundaries, including religion. He fostered Hindu-Muslim unity through his music. Shehnai was predominantly used in temples, initially. He worshipped Lord Shiva.

What were the honours received by Ustad Bismilla Khan?

Ustad Bismillah Khan received the first, second, and third highest civilian honours of the country, for his extraordinary talent in playing shehnai. He received Bharat Ratna in 2001, Padma Vibhushan in 1980, and Padma Bhushan in 1968.

What was the source of inspiration for Ustad Bismilla Khan?

Ustad Bismillah Khan worked hard to master the art of playing shehnai. The flowing waters of Ganga were a source of inspiration for him to improvise his music.

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• Bharat Ratna (2001)

Despite his fame, Khan’s lifestyle retained its old world Benares charm. His chief mode of transport was the cycle rickshaw. A man of tenderness, he believed in remaining private, and that musicians are supposed to be heard and not seen.

He was a pious Shi’a Muslim and also, like many Indian musicians regardless of creed, a devotee of Mother Saraswati . He often played at various temples and on the banks of the river Ganga in Varanasi, besides playing outside the famous Vishwanath temple in Varanasi. He received his training under his uncle, the late Ali Baksh ‘Vilayatu’, a shehnai player attached to Varanasi’s Vishwanath Temple.

Khan was perhaps single handedly responsible for making the shehnai a famous classical instrument. He brought the shehnai to the center stage of Indian music with his concert in the Calcutta All India Music Conference in 1937. He was credited with having almost monopoly over the instrument as he and the shehnai are almost synonyms.

Khan is one of the finest musicians in post-independent Indian Classical music and one of the best examples of hindu-muslim unity in India .

His concept of music was very beautiful and his vision, superb. He once said, “Even if the world ends, the music will still survive” and he often said, “Music has no caste”. He has played in Bangladesh , Afghanistan , Europe, Iraq, Iran , Canada, West Africa, USA , USSR, Japan, Hong Kong almost every capital city across the world.

Khan had the rare honor of performing at Delhi’s Red Fort on the eve of India’s Independence in 1947. He also performed Raga Kafi from the Red Fort on the eve of India’s first Republic Day ceremony, on January 26, 1950. His recital had almost become a cultural part of the Independence Day Celebrations telecast on Doordarshan every year on August 15th. After the Prime Minister’s speech from Lal Qila (Red Fort) in Old Delhi, Doordarshan would broadcast live performance by the shehnai maestro. And this tradition had been going on since the days of Pandit Nehru .

Ustad Bismillah Khan: Awards

• Fellow of Sangeet Natak Akademi (1994).
• Talar Mausiquee from Republic of Iran (1992).
• Padma Vibhushan (1980)
• Padma Bhushan (1968)
• Padma Shri (1961)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956)
• Tansen Award by Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.
• Three medals in All India Music Conference, Calcutta (1937)
• “Best Performer” in All India Music Conference, Allahabad (1930)

Recognition

• Banaras Hindu University
• Visva Bharati University
• Santiniketan
• Was invited by the then Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru to play Shehnai on the first Independence Day (August 15, 1947) in Delhi’s Red Fort.
• Participated in World Exposition in Montreal
• Participated in Cannes Art Festival
• Participated in Osaka Trade Fair
• His 80th birthday was celebrated by World Music Institute in New York

On August 17, 2006, Khan was taken ill and admitted to the Heritage Hospital, Varanasi for treatment. He died after four days on August 21, 2006 due to a cardiac arrest. He was ninety years old. He is survived by five sons, three daughters and a large number of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The Government of India declared one day of national mourning on his death. His body was buried at Fatemain burial ground of old Varanasi under a neem tree with 21-gun salute from Indian Army.

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Character Sketch of Ustad Bismillah Khan.

Ustad bismillah khan was one of the greatest national and international shehnai player. he brought shehnai to the classical age. he learned to play shehnai from his ancestors. he practised for hours and worked very hard to attain perfection. on 15th august 1947, the day when india got independence, he played shehnai before the prime minister of india, pandit jawahar lal nehru and greeted the independence with his melodious music. he created many new ragas and won many prestigious awards. he was awarded the bharat ratna in 2001, which is india's highest civilian honour. he brought the shehnai to the concert stage and elevated its status. he was not attracted to the glamor of bollywood but he made his contribution in two movies. he composed one of the hit songs in the film named 'gunj uthi shehnai' directed by vijay bhatt. the name of the song was "dil ka khilona hai toot gaya." also, he composed one song 'samadhi apanna' for a kannada film. he was a true patriot who declined many offers to settle abroad. he was a true artist but a simple man. he had great regards for hindustani classical music..

How did Bismillah Khan get his big break?

Answer these questions in 30 – 40 words.

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

2. How is a shehnai different from a pungi ?

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

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

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

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

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

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The Life & Times Of The Shehnai Maestro Who Revolutionized Indian Classical Music

On 21st March 1916, a musical genius was born in the small village of Dumraon in Buxar, Bihar . He was initially known as Qamruddin Khan and later came to be known by the name that the world recognizes him by today, Ustad Bismillah Khan. He played the shehnai, a ceremonial oboelike North Indian horn with such expressive originality, that he became one of the most revered greats of Indian classical music. Today, we dig a little deeper into the life and legacy of the maestro.

He was born as the second son of Paigambar Khan and Mitthan. His father named him Qamaruddin so that his name would sound similar to his elder brother, Shamsuddin. However, when his grandfather , Rasool Baksh Khan held him as a baby, he uttered the word "Bismillah" and that was how he came to be known as Bismillah Khan.

Khan was born into a family of musicians and thus his exposure to Indian classical music started from a very young age. His ancestors were musicians in the court of the princely states of Bhojpur and his father was a shehnai player in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh. Khan grew up watching his father play the shehnai and was inspired to follow in his footsteps.

Bismillah journeyed to Varanasi at the age of six where he got trained by his uncle, Ali Baksh 'Vilayatu'. His uncle used to play shehnai in temples, Hindu religious ceremonies, and weddings. Bismillah learned intuitively by accompanying his uncle and watching him play. As Bismillah’s love for the instrument grew, he practiced numerous musical forms and ragas that helped him discover a number of patterns in the shehnai that were previously considered impossible to play by other musicians .

Bismillah got his first major break in 1937 when he played at a concert at the All India Music Conference in Calcutta . It was a ground-breaking performance that completely changed the way people perceived shehnai. The shehnai’s popularity grew in unison with Bismillah and soon there was no turning back. He went on to perform in different countries such as the USA, Canada, Bangladesh, West Africa, Japan, Iran, Iraq, Hong Kong, and various parts of Europe. He has also played in many prestigious events across the world including the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair. The shehnai was once regarded as a mere folk instrument but thanks to Bismillah, it went on to be recognized as a vital Indian classical instrument. It not only attracted Asian music lovers but also made millions of westerners recognize and value the true potential of the shehnai.

Bismillah has lent his musical brilliance to the film scores of movies such as Goonj Uthi Shehnai, Sanaadi Appanna, and Sange Meel Se Mulaqat. He has received several national and international awards for his artistry and was bestowed the Bharat Ratna, the nation’s highest civilian award. But the greatest honor was when Bismillah Khan was asked to play shehnai at Red fort, Delhi on India’s Independence Day eve in 1947. His performance was considered the major attraction of the Independence Day celebrations and reached thousands of households as it was broadcasted live by Doordarshan.

On 21 August 2006, a national treasure was irretrievably lost. Bismillah Khan died of cardiac arrest. The Government of India declared a day of national mourning for his death. His body along with his beloved shehnai was buried at the Fatemaan burial ground of old Varanasi under a neem tree with a 21-gun salute from the Indian Army. To honor the maestro posthumously, Sangeet Natak Akademi came up with a new award called ‘Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar’ which is awarded to young artists who bring a fresh perspective to the field of music, dance , and theatre.

Bismillah had a life well lived but his fame never pulled him away him from his roots. He is known for living a simple and humble lifestyle. In many ways, he symbolizes everything that our ideal nation seeks to embody. He was a Shia Muslim, who worshipped the goddess Saraswati and performed at both Hindu and Muslim ceremonies. We often hear the words “unity in diversity”, and “secularism”, but Bismillah was someone who truly embodied them. He loved his instrument so much that he once referred to the shehnai as his wife. It is one thing to love your instrument but a whole different ball game to make millions of people fall in love with your instrument.

Listen to this recording of Ustad Bismillah Khan playing Raag Yaman, which is an evening raag best captured when played on the shehnai. Raag Yaman feels like the onset of the setting sun in the plateaus and encasulates but a small sliver of what makes the meastros music so otherworldly and beautiful.

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Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan: A Musical Legacy that Echoes Through Time

• Post author By Mala Chandrashekhar
• Post date September 15, 2022
• No Comments on Shehnai Maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan: A Musical Legacy that Echoes Through Time

Bismillah Khan  (born Qamaruddin Khan, 21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006), often referred to by the title Ustad, was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the  shehnai , a reeded wooden wind instrument.

While the shehnai had long held importance as a folk instrument played primarily schooled in traditional ceremonies, Khan is credited with elevating its status and bringing it to the concert stage.

He was awarded India’s highest civilian honour, the  Bharat Ratna , in 2001, becoming the third classical musician of India after  M. S. Subbalakshmi   and  Ravi Shankar  to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.

Personal life

Bismillah Khan was born on 21 March 1916 into a family of traditional Muslim musicians at the town of Dumraon British India, as the second son of Paigambar Bux Khan and Mitthanbai.

His father was a court musician employed in the court of Maharaja Keshav Prasad Singh of Dumraon Estate in Bihar. His two grandfathers Ustad Salar Hussain Khan and Rasool Bux Khan were also musicians in the Dumraon palace. 

He was named Qamruddin at birth, to rhyme with his elder brother’s name Shamsuddin. Upon seeing the newborn, his grandfather Rasool Baksh Khan, also a shehnai player, is said to have exclaimed “Bismillah”, or “In the name of Allah”, and thereafter he came to be known by this name.

At the age of six, he moved to Varanasi in the state of Uttar Pradesh, to be apprenticed to his maternal uncle, Ali Bux ‘Vilayatu’ Khan, a Shehnai player attached to the  Kashi Vishwanath Temple . 

At the age of 14 Bismillah accompanied his uncle to the Allahabad music conference.

Khan attributed his skill to the blessings of Nath ( Shiva ), and believed that there was little that he could teach his disciples. Khan seldom accepted students.

He thought that if he would be able to share his knowledge it wouldn’t be useful as it would only give his students a little knowledge.

Some of his disciples and followers include  S. Ballesh , and Krishna Ballesh as well as Khan’s own sons,  Nazim Hussain  and Nayyar Hussain.

On 17 March 2006, Bismillah Khan’s health deteriorated, and he was admitted to the Heritage Hospital, Varanasi for treatment.

Khan’s last wish – to perform at  India Gate , could not be fulfilled. He wanted to pay tributes to the martyrs. He waited in vain till his last rites. He died of cardiac arrest on 21 August 2006.

The Government of India declared a day of national mourning on his death. His body along with a Shehnai was buried at Fatemaan burial ground of old Varanasi under a neem tree with a 21-gun salute from the Indian Army.

Street in Hyderabad, Telangana, named after Bismallah Khan which was inaugurated by Pandit  Hariprasad Chaurasia  and  K Viswanath  on 7 April 2013.

Sangeet Natak Akademi , New Delhi, instituted the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar in 2007, in his honour. It is given to young artists in the field of music, theatre and dance.

The Government of Bihar has proposed setting up of a museum, a town hall-cum-library and installation of a life-size statue at his birthplace in Dumraon.

Bismillah Khan was commemorated on his 102nd birth anniversary by Search Engine Google which showed a special doodle on its Indian home page for him on 21 March 2018.

In the documentary film, Eric Clapton: Life in 12 Bars,  Clapton  cites Bismillah Khan as an influence and how he tried to use his guitar to imitate the music of Khan’s woodwind instrument.

Awards and recognitions

• Bharat Ratna  (2001)
• Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram  (1998), Government of Kerala
• T Choudayya National Award (1995), Government of Karnataka
• Fellow of  Sangeet Natak Akademi  (1994)
• Tahar Mausique from Republic of Iran (1992)
• Padma Vibhushan  (1980)
• Padma Bhushan  (1968)
• Padma Shri  (1961)
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award  (1956)
• Tansen Award by Govt. of Madhya Pradesh.
• Three medals in All India Music Conference, Calcutta (1937)

Recognitions

Bismillah Khan had honorary doctorates from :

• Banaras Hindu University ,  Varanasi
• Visva Bharati University ,  Santiniketan

Others include

• Was invited by then  Prime Minister of India  Pandit  Jawaharlal Nehru  to play  shehnai  on the first Independence Day (15 August 1947) in  Delhi ‘s  Red Fort .
• Participated in  World Exposition  in Montreal
• Participated in Cannes Art Festival
• Participated in Osaka Trade Fair
• India Post issued commemorative postage stamps of ₹5.00 denomination on 21 August 2008
• On his 102nd birthday, Google honored Bismillah Khan with a  Google doodle .

By Mala Chandrashekhar

Introducing Blogger Mala Chandrashekhar - A specialist academically trained in modern Western sciences, yet deeply enamored with India's timeless ethnic arts, crafts, and textiles. Her heart beats for the rich and glorious cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and she has dedicated her entire blog to spreading the immortal glories of ancient India worldwide. Through her simple yet impactful blog posts, Mala aims to reach every nook and corner of the globe, sharing India's beauty and wisdom with the world.

But Mala doesn't stop at just sharing her own thoughts and ideas. She welcomes constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve her blog and make it even more impactful. And if you share her passion for India's culture and heritage, she extends a warm invitation for high-quality guest blog posts.

Ready to dive into the world of India's ageless beauty? Follow Mala on LinkedIn, Twitter & Facebook and join her in spreading the magic of ancient India to the world.

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Remembering Ustad Bismillah Khan

On the morning of August 15, 1947, from the ramparts of the Red Fort, India was ushered into an era of independence by the soothing sound of a Shehnai, played by its greatest master, Ustad Bismillah Khan. It was a tremendous honour, both for the player and his instrument. And it was repeated, when Jawaharlal Nehru asked Bismillah to perform in 1950 on the occasion of Republic Day.

Ever since, millions of Indians gained a familiarity with the Shehnai by listening to Republic Day broadcasts – where Bismillah’s performances became a tradition. The Shenai is a wind instrument, similar to the oboe. It’s commonly found in temples ; its sound considered auspicious.

56 years later, the same Ustad listened to the proceedings of the 2006 Republic Day celebrations on the radio. He heard himself perform and remarked on how the government now used his music but failed to invite him. That same year, the man who had become synonymous with the Shehnai passed away . By his death at the age of 90, Bismillah had won every award possible for an Indian artist – from the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian honour) to the Sangeet Natak Academi Award, Tansen Award and Padma Shri.

Perhaps, Bismillah would have gained in worldly fame had he accepted the invitation from an American university to be its musician in residence. But he would not leave Varanasi, where he spent his entire life.

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The Sound of Music Part 2 Extra Questions and Answers Class 9 English

The Sound of Music Part 2 class 9 English beehive chapter 2 Extra Questions and Answers are available here. All these questions are divided into short type questions answers, long type question answers and extract based questions. These Class 9 extra questions are prepared by our expert teachers. Learning these questions will help you to score excellent marks in the board exams.

Extra Questions for Class 9 English Beehive Chapter 2 The Sound of Music Part 2

Very short answer questions.

1. What did Aurangzeb do to the playing of pungi in his royal residence? Answer: Ms. Aurangzeb banned the playing of pungi in his royal residence.

2. Why did Aurangzeb ban the playing of pungi in his royal residence? Answer:  Aurangzeb banned the playing of pungi in his royal residence because he did not like its shrill unpleasant sound.

3. Which family did the barber belong to? Answer:  He belonged to a family of professional musicians.

4. Who invented `Shehnai’? Answer:  A barber in Aurangzeb’s court invented Shehnai.

5. How many holes does a Shehnai have on its body? Answer:  It has seven holes in its body. 6. Where was Bismillah Khan born? Answer:  He was born in Dumraon in Bihar.

7. When was Bismillah Khan born? Answer:  He was born on 21 March 1916.

8. Which highest civilian award in India was conferred on Bismillah Khan? Answer:  The Bharat Ratna .

9. What was the name of Bismillah’s grandfather? Answer:  His name was Rasool Bux Khan.

10. What was the name of Bismillah’s father? Answer:  His name was Paigambar Bux.

11. What was the profession of Bismillah’s paternal ancestors? Answer:  They were great Shehnai players.

12. Who was Ali Bux? Answer:  AN Bux was Bismillah’s maternal uncle.

13. When was All India Radio in Lucknow was opened? Answer:  In 1938.

14. What is Bismillah Khan’s special achievement on 15 August 1947? Answer:  Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his Shehnai on this day.

15. To which foreign country did Bismillah Khan go on his first trip? Answer:  Afghanistan.

16. Which film was made by Vijay Matt after hearing Fsismillah’s Shehnai? Answer:  Gunj Uthi Shehnai .

17. Which auditorium is named after Bismillah Khan in Tehran? Answer:  The name of the auditorium is Tahar Mosiquee Ustaad Bismillah Khan.

18. What name is Bismillah Khan fondly called? Answer:  He is fondly called `Khansaab’.

19. When Bismillah Khan is in Mumbai he missed two things badly. Name those two  things. Answer:  They are Benaras and Ganga.

20. What did one of his students in the U.S.A. want him to do? Answer:  One of his students in the U.S.A. wanted him to head a Shehnai school in the U.S.A.

Short Answer Type Questions

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

Answer:  Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi because he considered it as a reeded noisemaker with its loud, shrill, and unpleasant sound. He prohibited its play in the royal court.

2. Why did the  pungi  become a generic name for “reeded noisemakers”?

Answer:  The  pungi  produced loud, unpleasant and jarring music. Because of this shrill music, Aurangzeb banned it in the royal house. As it was made from a reed and produced noisy sounds, it became a generic name for “reeded noisemakers”.

3. How is a ‘shehnai’ different from a  pungi ?

Answer: Though a reeded instrument like a  pungi , a shehnai differs from it in width and sound. It is made with a longer and broader stem than a pungi and produces soft, melodious sounds instead of the loud, jarring sound of a  pungi .

4. Who revived the  pungi  and what shape did it take?

Answer:  When Aurangzeb banned the playing of the  pungi  in the royal residence, a barber who belonged to a family of professional musicians revived it by taking a wider and longer hollow stem and making seven holes in it. The improved  pungi  produced soft and sweet sounds.

5. How did the ‘shehnai’ get its name?

Answer:  It is believed that the barber (nai) who improved the  pungi , played his instrument in the chamber of the emperor (shah). The c combination of the two words ‘shah’ and ‘nai’ formed the name ‘shehnai’.

6. Why was the shehnai played in temples and weddings?

Answer:  The music of the shehnai was melodious and soft. It came to be believed that it was auspicious. Therefore, in the holy temples and on the happy auspicious occasions of weddings, the shehnai was played.

7. Where was the shehnai played traditionally? How did Bismillah Khan change it? Or How did Bismillah Khan bring the ‘shehnai’ onto the classical stage?

Answer:  Traditionally, the shehnai was played in the royal court as one of the nine instruments together known as  naubat . Bismillah Khan made it an independent instrument and gave its music a place among other classical instrumental music.

8. Where did Bismillah Khan usually sing at the age of five? How was he rewarded and by whom?

Answer:  At the age of five, Bismillah Khan usually sang the Bhojpuri ‘chaita a’ in the Bihariji temple in his native town Dumraon in Bihar. At the end of the song, he earned a big laddu weighing 1.25 kg which was given by the local Maharaja as a prize.

9. What does the feature “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”, tell us about the paternal ancestors of Bismillah Khan? Or What kind of family did Bismillah Khan hail from?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan hailed from a family of musicians in Bihar. His grandfather Rasool Bux Khan was the shehnai player in the royal court of the king of Bhojpur. His father Paigambar Bux and many paternal and maternal uncles were also ‘shehnai vaadaks’ (players).

10. Who was Ali Bux? Where was he employed and what was his influence on Bismillah Khan?

Answer:  Ali Bux was the maternal uncle of Bismillah Khan and may be regarded as his mentor and trainer. He was a great shehnai player and was employed to play the shehnai in the Vishnu temple of Benaras. At a very young age, Bismillah Khan started accompanying him and got lessons in playing the shehnai from him. The young boy would sit for hours listening to his uncle and later practise throughout the day.

11. Which places were young Bismillah Khan’s favourite haunts for practising music? Why?

Answer:  The temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya, as well as the banks of the Ganga, were young Bismillah Khan’s favourite haunts because he could practice his music there in solitude. The flowing waters of Ganga inspired him to improvise and invent raagas which were earlier considered beyond the range of the shehnai.

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

Answer:  The ‘big break’ came to Bismillah Khan when in 1938 the All India Radio was started in Lucknow. Khansaab was regularly invited to play the shehnai and soon became an often-heard shehnai player on the radio.

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

Answer:  Bismillah Khan played the shehnai on August 15, 1947, at the Red Fort in New Delhi prior to the speech of Pandit Nehru. It was a historic event as India had got independence from the British on this day. Bismillah Khan was the first Indian to greet the nation and he poured his heart out while playing the melodious Raag Kafi on his shehnai.

14. Where did Bismillah Khan go on his first foreign trip? How was he honoured there?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan’s first foreign trip took him to Afghanistan where King Zahir Shah was so impressed with the maestro’s shehnai recital that he honoured him with gifts of priceless Persian carpets and other souvenirs.

15. Why did the film director Vijay Bhatt name his film “ Gunj Uthi Shehnai “?

Answer:  The film director, Vijay Bhatt, once heard the shehnai recital of Bismillah Khan in a festival. He was so fascinated by the performance that he decided to name his next film after the instrument and called it “ Gun Uthi Shehnai “

16. Which films did Bismillah Khan provide music for? Why did he discontinue playing the shehnai for films?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan ventured into the film world with Vijay Bhatt’s “ Gunj Uthi Shehnai ” . Then he played in a Kannada film – “ Samadhi Apanna “. Though he was very successful, he gave up the film world because his tastes did not tune well with the artificiality and glamour of filmdom.

17. How was Bismillah Khan’s music appreciated and recognised on the international level?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan’s music was so much appreciated on the international level that he became the first Indian to be invited to perform in the prestigious Lincoln Central Hall, USA. He participated in the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival and the Osaka Trade Fair. In Teheran, an auditorium was named after him.

38. How did India honour and reward the great musician, Bismillah Khan?

Answer:  India honoured Bismillah Khan by conferring on him the greatest national awards – the Padmashri, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan. He was also awarded the Bharat Rama in 2001, the highest civilian award in India.

39. Why did Bismillah Khan want that the children in India should be taught music?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan had great regard for Indian music and considered the Hindustani music to be its richest heritage. He wanted that children must not cut off their bond from this grand tradition which was fascinating even for the people of the west.

20. What offer did one of Bismillah Khan’s students in the US make to him? Why?

Answer:  A student of Bismillah Khan, who himself was settled in the US, wanted that the great maestro should be the head of a shehnai school in the U.S. He promised that he would create the environment of India by erecting the temples like those in Benaras, India.

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

Answer:  Bismillah Khan was a staunch patriot and was passionately in love with Benaras and Dumraon in India. He intensely loved the Ganga and could not stay away from the sacred river. Therefore, he declined the offer to settle down in the US and head a shehnai school there.

22. Why does the author believe that Bismillah Khan’s life is “a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage of India”?

Answer:  India has always shown a liberal attitude to all communities and religions. Its cultural heritage is a blend of various castes and creeds. Bismillah Khan’s life perfectly represents this blend. Although a devout Muslim, Khansaab played the shehnai in the Kashi Vishwanath temple every morning.

23. Find instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loved India and Benaras.

Answer:  Bismillah Khan’s love for India and Benaras is revealed by the fact that he refused to settle down in the US as the head of a shehnai school in spite of a strong assurance from his student to build temples like those in India. This love also becomes obvious in his acceptance speech after receiving the Bharat Ratna when he declared Hindustani music to be the richest heritage.

24. How did Evelyn sense the sounds and vibrations of the music?

Answer:  Evelyn sensed the sounds and vibrations of the music by opening her mind and body to them. She felt different notes through different parts of her body.

25. What was the contribution of Forbes in helping Evelyn to learn music?

Answer:  Forbes played a crucial role in shaping Evelyn’s musical talents. He asked her to sense the sounds and vibrations through her different body parts. He turned two large drums to different notes and asked her to feel the different notes and sounds some other way.

26. How was Evelyn a source of great pleasure to her audience?

Answer:  Evelyn was very young. She performed despite her handicap. Her music was better than those of her double age. She was an inspiration to the handicapped. Thus, she has given enormous pleasure to millions.

27. How is Evelyn able to express music so beautifully? Answer:  Though deaf, Evelyn was able to express music beautifully as she could feel far more deeply than many of us. That is why she expressed music so beautifully.

28. How was Evelyn able to get admission to the Royal Academy of Music?

Answer:  Ron Forbes spotted Evelyn’s potential in music. She never looked back from that point. By the time she was sixteen, she had decided to make music her life. She auditioned for the Royal Academy of Music and scored the highest marks in the history of the academy.

29. Why does Evelyn remove her shoes on the wooden platform?

Answer:  While playing instruments she removes shoes on the wooden platform. It allows the vibrations to pass through her bare feet and up to her legs. She is able to feel the music through every part of her body. She can also feel the echo of sound flowing into her body by leaning against the drums.

30. How did Ron Forbes give training in music to Evelyn?

Answer:  He took two large drums for tuning Evelyn at once realised higher drums from the waist up and lower drums from the waist down. He motivated her to feel the music in different parts of her body.

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

Answer:  With the opening of All India Radio in Lucknow in 1938, Bismillah Khan got a big break. He became an often-heard Shehnai player on Radio. When India got independence on 15th August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the nation with his Shehnai.

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

Answer:  Bismillah Khan played the Shehnai from the Red Fort on 15th August 1947. It was a historic event because he became the first Indian to greet the nation on the occasion of the first Independence Day. This programme was attended by Nehru, the first Prime Minister and many stalwarts of the nations.

33. What were the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan was a true Indian at heart. The recurring themes of his music were the ethics of temples and human relationships. The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to improve and invent `raagas’.

34. How was pungi came to be named Whehnai’?

Answer:  A barber from a family of professional musicians decided to improve the pungi. He chose a pipe with a hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi. He played the instrument before the king and everyone was impressed. Since it was played by a barber, and in the Shah’s chambers, the instrument was named as ‘She/tile.

35. Bismillah Khan loved India and Benaras the most. Justify it by giving two instances from the text.

Answer:  He was fond of Benaras and Dumraon. They remained for him the most wonderful towns in the world. He said that whenever he was in a foreign country, he kept yearning to see India. While in Mumbai, he thinks only of Benaras and the holy Ganga. And while in Benaras, he misses the unique mattha of Dumraon.

36. How did the barber change the tonal quality of a pungi into the melodious voice of the Shehnai?

Answer:  The barber chose a pipe with a natural hollow-stem. It was longer and broader than `pungi’. He made seven holes on the body of the pipe. He played on it. Soft and melodious sounds were produced. The barber played it before the royalty and it came to be known as Shehnai.

37. How did Ustad Bismillah Khan bring Shehnai to the classical stage?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan was a great Shehnai player. He invented many raagas and played them on Shehnai. His tunes enchanted everybody. Thus, Shehnai became a popular musical instrument in the country.

38. What idea did Ustad Bismillah Khan hold about Hindustani music?

Answer:  He held a high about Hindustani music. He was of the opinion that every child should learn Hindustani music. India has a very rich tradition of music. Even the West come here to learn our music.

Long Answer Type Questions

1. Write a note on the origin of the Shehnai.

Answer:  It is said that in the past a musical instrument called pungi used to be played in palaces before the Kings and Nawabs. But Aurangzeb did not like the shrill and unpleasant sound of the pungi. So he banned the playing of this musical instrument in the royal residence. There was a barber who belonged to a family of musicians.He had access to the royal palace. He tried hard to improve the tonal quality of the instrument: Ile chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the original pungi. lie carved seven holes on the body of the instrument. When he played on it, an impressive sonorous tonal sound was produced. The barber played it before the king and his courtiers. Everybody was impressed. The instrument Was called Shehnai because it was born in the Shah’s chamber and was invented by a ‘nai’ (barber). There is another story about the origin of Shehnai. It is said that a doctor of Iran invented it. His name was I laquim Bu All Saina and the instrument was named after him.

2. What are the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music and how did they originate?

Answer:  At the age of flute, Bismillah Khan went to Benaras. Here his maternal uncle taught him the nuances of the Shehnai. the lie used to practice in the temple of Balaji and Mangla Maiya. He also practiced on the banks of the Ganga. There is practiced for hours in complete solitude. The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to improvise his music. There he invented the ‘ragas’ that were earlier considered beyond the range of Shehnai. The atmosphere of the temple and the solitude of the banks of the Ganga had a great effect on him. They influenced the themes of his music also. One such theme was the ethos of the temple. The other theme was the relationship between human beings based on the tune of the flowing river. These became the recurring themes of Bismillah Khan’s music.

3. Why is Benaras so important to Bismillah Khan?

Answer:  Mr Bismillah Khan is fondly called Khansaab. He has travelled all over the world. He got honours in every country. In Tehran, an auditorium was named after him. He has seen many cities, but he remains very fond of Benaras and Dumraon. He calls them the most wonderful towns in the world. He has a special fascination for Benaras because of the Ganga there. In his youth, he used to practice Shehnai in solitude on the banks of the Ganga. Once one of his students in the USA requested him to head a Shehnai school there. He said that he would recreate the atmosphere of Benaras by building similar temples there. But the Ustad asked him whether he would bring the Ganga also there. Once he said, “Whenever I am in Mumbai, I think of only Varanasi and the holy Ganga”.

4. Write a note on the life and achievements of Bismillah Khan as a ‘shehnai vaadak’. What values of life do you derive from his story?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan’s journey as a ‘shehnai vaadak’ carries in itself deep moral values of dedication, simplicity, and patriotism. It started at the young age of three and continued up to the age of ninety. The journey ranged from playing the instrument in the temples to getting international fame.

Hailing from a family of musicians, Bismillah Khan inherited an interest in the shehnai. At a young age of three, he started accompanying his maternal Uncle Ali Bux to the Vishnu temple in Benaras and learned a lot from him. He would sing scriptures like the Bhojpuri  chaita’ .

Bismillah Khan got a significant break when he started playing for the All India Radio, Lucknow in 1938. His music was so admired that he was invited to play at the historic moment of Indian independence on 15 August 1947. In recognition of his talent, he was conferred upon with the greatest awards of India – the Padma shri, the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India, in 2001.

Bismillah Khan ventured into the film world but abandoned it after he found it to be too artificial and glamorous. On the international level, he mesmerized the King of Afghanistan with o his shehnai music. He was the only Indian to be invited to play shehnai in the Lincoln Central Hall, USA. He also played in international events like the World Exposition, Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival and the Osaka Trade Fair. As a token of appreciation, the Teheran government has named an auditorium after Bismillah Khan.

Bismillah Khan has a deep devotion to his motherland and is proud of its heritage of music. Hence, he declined the offer to settle down in foreign countries. F His journey teaches the values of dedication to one’s talent and persistent efforts to reach the greatest heights of excellence.

5. How does the author of The Sound of Music” portray Bismillah Khan as a great patriot? Or Bismillah Khan, on receiving the Bharat Ratna, remarked, “Teach your children music, this is Hindustan’s richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music.” What does it reveal about his sentiments towards India?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan, in “The Sound of Music”, emerged as a person imbued with intense and strong patriotic emotions. He had a profound and passionate love for his birthplace, Dumraon in Bihar and for Benaras where he took training to play the shehnai. He feels a deep bond with the Ganga because the flowing waters of the holy river made him improvise and spontaneously play new raagas – the ones which were earlier regarded to be beyond the range of the shehnai. Such was Bismillah Khan’s love for his country and the Ganga that he refused to settle down in America to head a-school for the shehnai. His strong attachment with the sacred river made him miss Banaras when he was in Mumbai or elsewhere. Equally strong was his bonding with his birthplace Dumraon.

Bismillah Khan had great regard for the Hindustani music which, for him, is the richest cultural heritage of India. He wanted the tradition of Indian music to be carried on from generation to generation. That is why he advised the people of India to teach music to their children and felt proud that this music fascinated even the people of the west.

6. You have now read about two musicians, Evelyn Glennie, and Ustad Bismillah Khan. Do you think that they both worked hard? Where did they want to go? Or Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan shared the values of hard work and perseverance. Discuss. Or What important lesson does the life of Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan teach us?

Answer:  Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan, the two eminent music maestros, through their achievements, have proved to the world that the values of hard work and unstaggering efforts are always rewarded. Evelyn Glennie became an internationally admired multi-percussionist only because of her untiring work which could conquer even her handicap. Instead of yielding to her deafness, she made all-out efforts to sense the sounds of music through different parts of her body and never looked back. With her persistent efforts, she made it to the Royal Academy of Music, London and bagged the most prestigious awards. Her sincere devotion to her art has given percussion a new place on the international stage.

Bismillah Khan, like Evelyn, was dedicated to his art and attained greatest heights as a ‘shehnai vaadak’. He too worked diligently and transformed the shehnai into a classical instrument. He added enormously to what he had inherited by widening the range of the shehnai. He invented many new raagas spontaneously. Starting with playing in the temples of Benaras and on the banks of Ganga, he reached the stage of international acclaim. His hard work enabled him to win the most prestigious awards in India and in the world. Thus, the lives of both Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan are perfect examples of how dedicated efforts and persistent hard work lead to grand achievements.

7. Write a note on some of the most memorable performances of Ustad Bismillah Khan as described in the feature “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan”.

Answer:  During his illustrious career spanning over 80 years, Bismillah Khan gave countless music performances, but a few of them stand out as milestones in his career. For example, his performance of the Bhojpuri  ‘chaita’  at the Bihariji temple at the age of five indicated the signs of a maestro he was to evolve into. For every recital, he would get a 1.25 kg laddu as a reward from the local king. At the age of 14, he was patted for his performance at the Allahabad Music Conference by Ustad Faiyaz Khan. In 1938, Bismillah Khan got perhaps the biggest break of his career when he got to perform on the All India Radio, Lucknow. Equally remarkable was the opportunity to usher in the Independence of the country from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August 1947. His first foreign performance in Afghanistan got him rich accolades and honours. He also had the chance to provide music to two films – Vijay Bhatt’s “Gunj Uthi Shehnai” and Srinivas’s Kannada movie “Samadhi Apanna”. Then followed a string of international performances, notable among them being the performances at the prestigious Lincoln Centre Hall (USA), World Exposition (Montreal), Cannes Art Festival and Osaka Trade fair.

8. “Music has no religion.” How did Bismillah Khan’s Shehani prove it?

Answer:  Music is the voice of the soul. It is sacred beyond the religions. It is eternal and acts as a source of inspiration for everyone. A musician never plays music for any particular religion. Bismillah Khan who belonged to the Muslim community played Shehnai in temples. He was deeply attached to the holy city of Benaras and the holy river Ganga. The river Ganga and its flowing water were the main source of inspiration for him. He could never think of leaving Benaras and holy river Ganga. Since his childhood, he was fond of music. As a five-year-old child, he used to visit Bihariji temple at Dumraon to sing Bhojpuri Chaita. His love for music was so deeply influenced by Benaras and Ganga that once a student from the USA wanted him to head a Shehnai school there. He promised him to recreate the atmosphere of Benaras in the USA by replicating the temple. But Bismillah Khan refused to say that he couldn’t take the Ganga there.

9. Describe the life and character of Ustad Bismillah Khan with emphasis on values of his character you should imbibe.

Answer:  Ustad Bismillah Khan was a great Shehnai player. He was born in a village of Bihar state. He belonged to a family of professional musicians. He made Shehnai a famous musical instrument in the world. The government of India gave him the greatest civilian award —” Bharat Ratna”. He was a true patriot. He never showed his desire to settle abroad when he was offered several chances. Bismillah had a great passion for Shehnai. He took lessons from his maternal uncle Ali Bux and practiced hard on the peaceful banks of the river Ganga. Infect his life is motivating for students. He teaches them that human beings should give up narrow mindedness. They should take values from different religions.

10. Why did Emperor Aurangzeb ban the playing of the pungi and how it was improved and called Shehnai?

Answer:  Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in the royal residence because it had a shrill and unpleasant sound. But a barber of a professional family of musicians was able to improve it. He chose a pipe with a natural hollow stem that was longer and broader than the pungi. He made seven holes on the body of the pipe. He played the instrument before the king and everyone was impressed. Since it was first played in the Shah’s chambers and was played by an’ (barber), the instrument was named the ‘Shehnai’

11. What important lesson does the life of Bismillah Khan teach us?

Answer:  Bismillah Khan teaches us a very remarkable lesson of life. People make advancement in life by dint of hard work and devotion. He was very interested in music as he was born in the family of a musician. He used to sing Chaita in the Biharji temple. When he was in Benaras, he was greatly influenced by his maternal uncle, who was a great Shehnai player. He copied his uncle in the true spirit and practiced Shehnai in the peaceful environment of the Ganga. His hard work and devotion brought him good fruits. He was awarded the greatest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna.

Ustad Bismillah Khan Saheb Was Always Known For His Simple Style of Living

 ‘Melody is the king’ ‘God is one and so is music’ ‘Melody is not anybody’s inheritence, you will get it when you make an effort’ ‘If you spend money, it will finish. Try spending the melody my friend.. It will never finish.’ ‘I don’t know about this and that, I only talk about music and melody.’

Really, he only talked about melody. You may start the conversation with anything ranging from religion, politics to the country’s state of affairs, but he would ultimately bring it to music. And then with glittering eyes, he would start humming something; something like a sweet Banarasi tune. At that time it felt as if Shehnai is playing from his throat. The answer to every question was pure melody. The explanation to every query, just pure raags. Once a scholar tried to make him understand that music is considered a crime in Islam. He sang ‘Allah hi Allah, Jilleshan Allah’ in Raag Bhairav and asked if singing it was a crime! The scholar became quiet. Such was the great Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan.

The musicians playing Shehnai on a tiny stage set up at some hidden corner of the house of marriage, didn’t have more relevance for people than the tent people, decorators and caterers. They also played pure raags like Maalkauns and Maaru Bihag. But in the times of kings and queens, it is said that these musicians were given the third floor to sit. But Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai created such an aura that its importance reached a different level. The Shehnai that was played as background music on happy occasions, now became part of big concerts where it was applauded and appreciated. That is why Shehnai and Bimillah Khan became a synonym for each other, forever.

Bismillah Khan was born on 21st March 1916 in Dumrav, Bihar. His parents had named him Kamruddin. But it is said that when his grandfather saw him for the first time, the first word he said out of joy was Bismillah. And thus he was named Bismillah. It was a family of musicians. His ancestors included singers as well as Shehnai players. His father, Paigambar Baksh, was employed at the king’s court in Dumrav. The sound of Shehnai thrilled Bismillah since childhood. When he turned six, his uncle Ali Baksh brought him to Banaras with him. His uncle himself played the Shehnai. His Shehnai was often heard in the Balaji and Bangla Gauri temples of Banaras. Bismillah was sent to school for studies. But it did not interest him. His heart was where there was music. Listening to his uncle’s Shehnai, Bismillah had become crazy for it. Seeing his interest, his uncle got him a six inch long Shehnai which is called Nafeeri. Bismillah tried to play it and thought it will only give melodious music, but it did not happen so. In fact people laughed at the sound first produced. Bismillah became sad. Then uncle Ali Baksh put him on his lap lovingly, and taught him how Shehnai is held and played. This is when Bismillah’s formal training started in the guidance of his uncle, Ali Baksh.

He got a chance to perform in Allahbad in 1930. After this, fragrance of his Shehnai started spreading all over. In 1937, at the age of about 20, he became part of Kolkata’s All India Music Conference. He was praised so much that he didn’t ever look back. Gradually Bismillah Khan started being called Ustad or the master. The master of raags as well as Banaras’s Kajri, Chaiti, Sawni, Holi and Thumri. Khan Saheb was known for his jolly nature. The sweetness in his heart reached people through his melodious music and it showed its impact instantly. When Akashwani used to be the only source of entertainment in India, in innumerable households the day began with the melody of Khan Saheb’s Shehnai.

Khan Saheb also became associated with some films. His music became part of films like ‘Goonj Uthi Shehnai’ and Satyajeet Ray’s ‘Jalsaghar’. He played Shehnai for many more films, but they say that he did not like the editing done in music to suit the requirement of the film. That is why he disassociated himself from films.

In 1947, one day before independence, when the Indian flag was waving at the Red Fort, Bismillah Khan’s Shehnai was giving the message of freedom. Bismillah Khan was beyond the boundaries of religion. He played Shehnai at temples and also on occasions like Moharram. Shehnai was a way of connecting with God for him. He gave everyone the message of love and peace through his music.

Bismillah Khan loved his country. Banaras, especially, was very dear to him. He could not imagine a life without Banaras. Once a very rich person gave him the offer of living in America. Khan Saheb asked him, “Can you take mother Ganges there? Take Ganga there and I will come along.”

Seeing his great contribution to music, the government of india honored him one after the other with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and then Bharat Ratna.

Khan Saheb was always known for his simple and saintly style of living. Though the needs of family also made this saint realize materialistic values again and again. Many times he very openly said that award is not enough to feed hunger. Just ten rupees may be, but the government must give some help. But this did not happen. Poverty stricken Ustad died on 21st August 2006. But the melody of his Shehnai echoes not only in India, but all corners of the world.

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7 Indian Musicians You Have To Know

Indian music takes many forms: classical, folk, and pop music. India has been blessed with a number of gifted musicians, who have mesmerized listeners from around the globe with their art. Let’s take a look at seven Indian musicians you should add to your playlist.

Ustad bismillah khan (1913 – 2006).

A spectacular shehnai player, Khan was a musician who was able to grasp the essence of Indian culture through his art. His name will forever be associated with shehnai , the instrument which he made popular through his music. Ustad Bismillah Khan is an iconic figure for Indian music, and has played in national events such as the first Independence Day, as well as the first Republic day of the country. He has been bestowed with honorable awards like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Award, to name a few.

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Pandit Ravi Shankar (1920-2012)

Known for his invaluable contribution to Hindustani classical music, Pandit Ravi Shankar was one of the best known players of the sitar . Born in 1920, he became one of the most prolific music maestros of the 20th century. His music has had a global impact, with ardent admirers and students including rock group The Byrds and George Harrison from The Beatles. He was bestowed with innumerable awards and honors in his lifetime, notably receiving the Bharat Ratna (the highest civilian award in India) in 1999.

Hariprasad Chaurasia (1938 – present)

A legendary Indian flautist and counted among the greatest masters of the north Indian bamboo flute, Hariprasad Chaurasia is a Padma Shree and a Padma Vibushan recipient. Unlike many Indian musicians who were born in muscial families, Hariprasad Chaurasia was the son of a wrestler. He had to rebel against his father and he secretly began learning classical vocal music at the age of 15 from his neighbor. Upon meeting the famous flautist Pandit Bholanath Prasanna of Varanasi, he was deeply influenced by his music and began learning to play the flute under his guidance.

Pandit Shivkumar Sharma (1938 – present)

A renowned santoor player, Sharma is single handedly responsible for making the instrument a popular in classical music. Recipient of the Padma Shree and Padma Vibhushan awards, he has also won accolades around the world. He is one of those rare musicians who have also been able to make a mark in the world of popular film music. His compositions for blockbusters such as Silsila and Chandni are a manifestation of his musical brilliance.

R.D. Burman (1939 – 2004)

Popularly known as ‘Panchamda’, he was the man who introduced Western tunes in the Hindi film industry. His musical ideas were innovative and fresh to Indian ears. Heavily inspired by Western music, especially Arabian and Persian music, he experimented with several genres to create fusional music and some boundar-breaking songs.

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Jagjit Singh (1941 – 2011)

This renowned Indian singer, writer and musician was famously dubbed as the ‘Gazal King’. He achieved incredible success with his soulful and mesmerizing voice in several genres of music; ranging from romantic melodies, to sad compositions, and devotional hymns. He was married to another leading singer, Chitra , and the duo created musical magic together. Sadly, his personal life was deeply troubled by the death of his only son, after which his wife gave up music. However, Jagjit Singh continued to sing and enthralled audiences by communicating with the deepest human emotions through his art.

AR Rahman (1967 – present)

A living legend, his music has the potential to touch the deeper places in the human heart. He has revolutionized Indian film music over the past two decades. From Roja to Rockstar , his musical genius has charmed audiences, making him one of the world’s all-time best-selling recording artists. He has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, a BAFTA award, four National awards, fifteen Filmfare awards and thirteen Filmfare Award (South).

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