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    3.b. The Sound of Music Part-2 - Class 9 - Beehive



    Title: The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan

    Textbook: Beehive (Class IX)

    Genre: Biography / Musical Heritage

    Author: NCERT-compiled (no specific author mentioned)


    📝 Summary

    This part of The Sound of Music focuses on Ustad Bismillah Khan, one of India's most beloved classical musicians and a maestro of the shehnai. The chapter outlines the journey of the shehnai from its early days to how Bismillah Khan elevated it to a respected position on the concert stage.

    The shehnai, once considered an instrument for traditional and auspicious occasions, gained classical status due to Khan's genius. He was born in 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of musicians. From a young age, Bismillah was deeply influenced by the atmosphere of music around him.

    He practiced tirelessly and was devoted to his craft. His performances at the All India Radio, the Independence Day ceremony (1947) at Red Fort, and globally — including in Tehran, USA, Japan, and Canada — earned him great admiration.

    Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna in 2001, India's highest civilian award. Despite international fame, he remained humble and deeply attached to his roots in Varanasi and the Ganga.

    👤 Character Sketch: Ustad Bismillah Khan

    • Passionate – Completely devoted to the shehnai and music

    • Disciplined – Practised for hours daily without fail

    • Patriotic – Loved India deeply and refused to settle abroad

    • Simple & Humble – Despite global fame, lived modestly

    • Culturally Rooted – Loved Ganga, Banaras, and Indian tradition

    • Innovator – Transformed a folk instrument into a classical one

    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Love for Tradition

    Bismillah Khan’s life reflects deep-rooted cultural values

    Simplicity and Humility

    Despite fame, he remained grounded and unmaterialistic

    Musical Genius

    He revolutionized shehnai playing and elevated it to art form

    National Pride

    A symbol of India’s musical heritage on global platforms

    Cultural Harmony

    A Muslim musician devoted to playing at Hindu temples and respecting all faiths


    ✨ Literary Devices

    Device

    Example / Function

    Imagery

    “The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him...” evokes a vivid setting

    Allusion

    Reference to Independence Day 1947 connects to national history

    Irony

    Refused to leave India even when offered a palace abroad

    Symbolism

    Shehnai symbolizes Indian cultural spirit

    Narrative Tone

    Simple, respectful, and inspirational tone throughout


    📖 Title Justification

    The title “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan” is fitting because Bismillah Khan gave the shehnai its due recognition on the world stage. The instrument, previously limited to temple rituals and marriages, was transformed into a respected classical instrument by his dedication. His name is now inseparable from the shehnai’s legacy.


    ✅ One-Mark Questions (with One-Sentence Answers)

    Q1. What was Bismillah Khan’s profession?

    👉 Bismillah Khan was a renowned shehnai player and classical musician.


    Q2. Where was Bismillah Khan born?

    👉 He was born in 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar.


    Q3. What event did he famously perform at on 15 August 1947?

    👉 He played the shehnai at the Red Fort during India’s Independence Day celebrations.


    Q4. What highest civilian honour did he receive?

    👉 He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, in 2001.


    Q5. Which river did Bismillah Khan feel spiritually connected to?

    👉 He felt a deep spiritual connection with the river Ganga.


    ✅ Three-Mark Questions

    1. How did Bismillah Khan transform the status of the shehnai?

      👉 Earlier, the shehnai was played in temples and weddings. Bismillah Khan trained rigorously, innovated its playing technique, and brought it to the concert stage, gaining national and international recognition for the instrument.


    2. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to move to foreign countries despite offers?

      👉 Although offered prestigious positions abroad, Khan declined because he could not live away from India — especially his beloved Ganga and Banaras. His patriotism and emotional bond with his homeland were stronger than fame or wealth.


    3. What does Bismillah Khan’s life teach us?

      👉 His life teaches us the value of dedication, simplicity, humility, and cultural pride. He showed that true success lies not only in fame but in staying connected to one’s roots.


    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q. What values can students learn from the life of Ustad Bismillah Khan?

    👉 Students can learn values like dedication to one's craft, humility despite success, respect for all cultures, and love for one's country. His simplicity and refusal to chase wealth teach that fulfillment comes from passion and purpose.



    END


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