Get Bihar Board class 9 English Prose chapter 6 solutions here. Our subject experts have prepared this solution for free. All the question answers of chapter 6 – “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan” are available here.
Chapter 6 of the Bihar Board Class 9 English book, “The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan,” tells the story of the legendary Indian musician Ustad Bismillah Khan. Born in 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar, Bismillah Khan became famous for elevating the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument, from a folk instrument to one suitable for classical music. The chapter traces his journey from a young boy in Dumraon to a world-renowned musician who performed globally.
Bihar Board Class 9 English Prose Chapter 6 Solutions
Contents
- 1 Bihar Board Class 9 English Prose Chapter 6 Solutions
- 1.1 A. Work in small groups and discuss the following
- 1.2 B.1.1. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements
- 1.3 B.1.2 Complete the sentences
- 1.4 B.1.3. Answer the following questions very briefly
- 1.5 B.2.1. Complete the sentences on the basis of the unit you have just Studied
- 1.6 B.2.2. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements
- 1.7 B.2.3. Answer the following questions very briefly
- 1.8 C. Long Answer Type Questions
| Subject | English |
| Class | 9th |
| Chapter | 6. The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan |
| Author | |
| Board | Bihar Board |
A. Work in small groups and discuss the following
Question 1. Have you ever heard a shehnai being played in marriage ceremonies or festivals?
Answer: Yes, I have heard the shehnai’s melodious sound at numerous weddings and festivals, where it creates a joyful and traditional atmosphere.
Question 2. How do you like this instrument?
Answer: The shehnai is a captivating instrument with a unique, soul-stirring sound that can evoke a range of emotions in listeners.
Question 3. Discuss any pipe instrument which is played in your local-ity in marriage ceremonies or festivals.
Answer: In my locality, the flute is often played during weddings and festivals, adding a sweet, melodious touch to the celebrations with its enchanting tunes.
Question 4. Do you know that it was Bismillah Khan, the great Shehnai maestro, who made this instrument a reality? Can you name some leading players of other popular musical instruments instruments?
Answer: Yes, Bismillah Khan popularized the shehnai globally. Other renowned musicians include Ravi Shankar (sitar), Zakir Hussain (tabla), and Amjad Ali Khan (sarod).
B.1.1. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements
- Bismillah Khan belongs to a family of musicians from Uttar Pradesh. F
- Bismillah Khan’s ancestors were also great shehnai players. T
- The flowing water of the Ganga gave inspiration to Bismillah to create ragas. T
- He learnt shehnai from his parent and grandfather. F
B.1.2 Complete the sentences
B.1.2. Complete the sentences on the basis of the unit you have just studied
- The pungi is a musica instrument.
- The pungi became the generic name for reeded noise makers.
- The instrument which is so different from the pungi is called Shehnai.
- Seven holes were made on the body of a pipe.
- Rasool Bux Khan was the Shehnai nawaj of Bhojpuri king’s court.
- Rasool Bux Khan was Bismillah’s grandfather.
- Bismillah accompanied Ali Bux to the Vishnu temple of Benaras.
- Bismillah played at the temple of Balaji and Mangla Maiya and at the banks of the Ganga as a young apprentice.
B.1.3. Answer the following questions very briefly
Question 1. Who banned the playing of the pungi?
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in his court due to its shrill and unpleasant sound.
Question 2. What generic name did the pungi come to acquire?
Answer: The pungi came to be known as the “been,” a generic name for reeded instruments in India.
Question 3. Who revived the pungi?
Answer: A barber from a family of professional musicians revived the pungi by improving its sound and creating the shehnai.
Question 4. Where was the Shehnai played for the first time?
Answer: The shehnai was first played in the Shah’s chamber, impressing the royal audience with its melodious sound.
Question 5. Who played the instrument for the first time so different from the pungi?
Answer: The barber who revived the pungi played the new instrument, which was significantly different and more pleasing to the ear.
Question 6. What is naubat called?
Answer: Naubat refers to a traditional ensemble of nine instruments played in royal courts and temples.
Question 7. Who brought the instrument shehnai on the classical stage?
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan elevated the shehnai to the status of a classical instrument through his exceptional performances.
Question 8. Which sport did Bismillah Khan play in his childhood?
Answer: In his childhood, Bismillah Khan enjoyed playing gilli-danda, a traditional Indian street game.
Question 9. Where did he play the sports?
Answer: He played gilli-danda near a pond in the ancient estate of Dumraon in Bihar, where he spent his early years.
Question 10. Where did he go to sing the Bhojpuri “Chaita”?
Answer: Bismillah Khan would go to the Bihariji temple to sing the Bhojpuri “Chaita,” a form of traditional folk music.
Question 11. What is the highest civilian award in India?
Answer: The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award in India, recognizing exceptional service of the highest order.
Question 12. Who was Bismillah’s father?
Answer: Paigamber Bux was Bismillah Khan’s father, who also came from a family of musicians.
Question 13. Who was Bismillah’s mau-nial uncle?
Answer: Ali Buxwis Bismillah’s maternal uncle.
B.2.1. Complete the sentences on the basis of the unit you have just Studied
- At the age of fourteen Bismillah accompanied his uncle to The Allahabad music conference .
- In 1938 came Bismillah’s first break in All India Radio in Lucknow.
- He sang Ragg Kafi on 15th August 1947.
- His first trip abroad was to Afganistan.
- Film director Vijay Bhatt named his film as Gunj Uthi Shehnai after being impressed by the shehnai.
- National awards like the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Vibhushan were conferred on him.
- Bismillah Khan was also referred to as Khansaab.
- An auditorium in Tehran named after him is called Tahar Musiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan.
B.2.2. Write ‘T’ for true and ‘F’ for false statements
- An auditorium in Tehran was named after Bismillah Khan. T
- Bismillah Khan was fondly called ‘Khansaab’. T
- Khan Saab was a shehnai player of international repute even then no National Awards were conferred on him. F
B.2.3. Answer the following questions very briefly
- When was Bismillah Khan awarded India’s highest civilian award?
- Of which two cities was he most found of?
Answer:
- In 2001 Bismillah Khan was awarded India’s highest civilian award
- Benaras and Dumraon.
C. Long Answer Type Questions
Question 1. Which emperor banned the playing of the pungi? Do you think that is against the right to expression?
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi in his court due to its shrill sound. While this action might seem to contradict freedom of expression, it’s important to consider the historical context of absolute monarchy. The ban was likely limited to the royal court and not extended to public places. This example helps us appreciate the artistic freedoms we enjoy in modern democracies.
Question 2. Ustad Khan refused the celluloid world after two films. Was it a loss tathe cinema world or gain to Hindustani Music? Discuss.
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan’s decision to leave the film industry after two movies was a significant gain for Hindustani classical music. While cinema lost a talented musician, his dedication preserved and elevated an important cultural tradition. Khan chose to prioritize the authenticity of classical music over the glamour and financial gains of cinema. His commitment helped maintain the relevance of classical music and ensured its preservation for future generations.
Question 3. Capture in your own words the feeling of the Ustad, when he received Bharat Ratna.
Answer: When Ustad Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna, he was overcome with joy and pride. His eyes sparkled with happiness, reflecting the culmination of years of dedication to music. Khan saw the award as recognition of classical music’s importance in India’s heritage. He used this moment to emphasize the significance of teaching music to children, highlighting its status as India’s richest tradition.
Question 4. ‘Only in India it is possible that a devout Muslim like Khan Saheb can very naturally play the shehnai every morning at Kashi Vishwanath temple.’ What light does this statement throw on India’s cultural heritage? Discuss.
Answer: The statement about Bismillah Khan playing the shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath temple illustrates India’s cultural heritage of religious harmony and inclusivity. It showcases how art and spirituality can transcend religious boundaries in Indian society. This practice reflects the syncretic nature of Indian culture, where different faiths coexist and blend harmoniously. It serves as a powerful example of how music can foster understanding and unity among different communities.
Question 5. Describe the incident of Ustad Khan visiting Pakistan.
Answer: Ustad Bismillah Khan’s brief visit to Pakistan after partition reflects his deep attachment to his homeland. He crossed the border out of curiosity but stayed only for an hour, unable to leave Benaras and the Ganga for long. In a humorous gesture, he greeted Pakistanis with “Namaskar” and Indians with “Salam Alaikum,” playfully switching the customary greetings. This incident highlights the shared cultural heritage of the two nations despite political separation.
Question 6. How did shehnai get its name? Describe in your own words the process how the Pungi became the shehnai.
Answer: The shehnai evolved from the pungi when a creative barber sought to improve its shrill sound. He experimented with a longer, broader hollow stem and drilled seven holes to create a more melodious instrument. The improved version was played in Emperor Aurangzeb’s chamber, gaining royal approval. The name “shehnai” combines “shah” (emperor) and “nai” (barber), reflecting its origins in the royal court and its inventor’s profession.
