Did you know Ustad Bismillah Khan made the shehnai world-famous with his soulful music at India’s Independence Day in 1947? In this post, you’ll find descriptive paragraphs and bio sketches on Bismillah Khan, written in 100, 150, 200, 300, and 400+ words. As an experienced English teacher, I’ve kept the language easy, human-like, and exam-friendly to help you write perfect answers.
Table of Contents
Interesting & Surprising Facts About Bismillah khan
1. He got his name from his grandfather’s blessing
When he was born in Dumraon, Bihar, his grandfather looked at him lovingly and said “Bismillah,” which means “in the name of God.” From that day, everyone began calling him Bismillah Khan, a name that became world famous.
2. He learned music near the Ganga in Varanasi
As a young boy, Bismillah Khan moved to Varanasi to learn the shehnai from his uncle, Ali Bux. He often practised on the ghats of the Ganga River, saying the flowing water helped him connect with the rhythm of life.
3. He played the shehnai on India’s first Independence Day
On 15th August 1947, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai from the Red Fort as India celebrated its freedom. His music filled the air with pride and emotion, marking a historic moment for the nation.
4. He was honoured with the Bharat Ratna
In 2001, Ustad Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. He became one of only three classical musicians ever to be given this honour, showing the country’s deep respect for his art.
5. His funeral received a national honour
When he passed away in 2006, the Indian Army gave him a 21-gun salute. The whole nation mourned the loss of the maestro whose music had become the voice of India’s soul.
Descriptive Paragraph on Bismillah Khan – 100 Words
Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of India’s greatest musicians, known for making the shehnai famous all over the world. He was born in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of court musicians. From a young age, he loved music and learned to play the shehnai under his uncle in Varanasi. His music was filled with devotion and peace. He played at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day, making that moment unforgettable. Though he received many awards, including the Bharat Ratna, he always lived a simple life and believed that music was his true prayer to God.
Bio Sketch on Ustad bismillah khan – 150 Words
Ustad Bismillah Khan was a famous Indian musician who made the shehnai a respected instrument in classical music. He was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of traditional musicians. His father, Paigambar Bux, and his uncle, Ali Bux, were also shehnai players. As a child, Bismillah Khan moved to Varanasi and began his training under his uncle, practising for hours on the banks of the River Ganga. His music was full of purity and devotion. He performed at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day in 1947, a moment of great pride for the country. Over his life, he received many honours, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001. Even with worldwide fame, he lived simply, devoted only to his art. He passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy of soulful music and deep love for India.
Character Sketch of bismillah khan – 200 Words
Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the most loved and respected musicians of India. Born in 1916 in Dumraon, Bihar, he grew up in a family where music was a part of daily life. His father and grandfather were court musicians, and his uncle, Ali Bux, became his teacher and guide. Under his uncle’s training in Varanasi, Bismillah Khan learned the art of the shehnai with full dedication. He would practise for long hours on the ghats of the River Ganga, believing that music and devotion were one.
He was a man of great humility and faith. Even after becoming world-famous, he never allowed pride to touch him. He lived a very simple life, often travelling by rickshaw and enjoying local food. Fame and wealth never changed his pure heart. He believed that music was a divine gift meant to bring peace and love among people.
Bismillah Khan’s performance at the Red Fort on India’s first Independence Day in 1947 became a moment of national pride. He received many awards, including the Bharat Ratna in 2001. His character reflected purity, hard work, and patriotism. Ustad Bismillah Khan will always be remembered as a humble artist whose music touched every soul.
Bio sketch on bismillah khan – 300 Words
Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of India’s greatest musicians and a legend who made the shehnai a world-famous instrument. He was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of traditional musicians. His father, Paigambar Bux, and his ancestors played music in the royal courts of Bihar. Music ran in his blood, and he started showing interest in the shehnai at a very young age.
When he was a child, Bismillah Khan moved to Varanasi to live with his maternal uncle, Ali Bux, who played the shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Under his uncle’s guidance, he worked hard and practised for long hours near the River Ganga. He often said that the sound of the flowing river gave him peace and helped him find rhythm in his music. His shehnai performances were known for their purity, devotion, and power to touch the soul.
Bismillah Khan’s biggest achievement came on August 15, 1947, when he played the shehnai at the Red Fort as India celebrated its first Independence Day. That historic performance made him a national icon and a symbol of India’s rich culture. He later performed in many countries, spreading the charm of Indian classical music to every corner of the world.
Despite his worldwide fame, he lived a simple and humble life. He never left his old home in Varanasi and preferred travelling by rickshaw. He believed that music was his prayer and a path to God. For his lifelong contribution, he received many awards, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and the Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away in 2006, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire every music lover. His shehnai still echoes in the heart of India.
Bio Sketch on bismillah khan – 400 + Words
Ustad Bismillah Khan was one of the most respected and loved musicians of India. He brought the shehnai, a traditional Indian wind instrument, from the temples and weddings to the grand stage of classical music. His name became a symbol of purity, simplicity, and devotion to art.
He was born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, into a family of traditional court musicians. His father, Paigambar Bux, and grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, were well-known shehnai players in the court of the Raja of Dumraon. Music was a part of his daily life since childhood. From an early age, he showed deep interest in the shehnai, an instrument that very few people could play beautifully at that time.
As a young boy, Bismillah Khan moved to Varanasi to live with his maternal uncle, Ali Bux “Vilayatu,” who played the shehnai at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Under his uncle’s training, Bismillah Khan practised for hours every day. He often sat near the ghats of the River Ganga, saying that the peaceful sound of the flowing river inspired his music. He believed that music was not just entertainment—it was a form of prayer and a way to connect with God.
His dedication and love for music soon made him famous. His shehnai had a voice that could express both joy and sadness, strength and calmness. One of the proudest moments of his life came on August 15, 1947, when he played the shehnai at the Red Fort during India’s first Independence Day celebration. That historic performance made him a symbol of national pride and unity.
Over the years, Bismillah Khan performed in many countries, including the United States, Iran, Iraq, Canada, and Japan. Audiences across the world admired his skill and the emotional depth of his music. Yet, even after becoming world-famous, he never changed his simple lifestyle. He lived in a modest home in Varanasi, travelled by cycle rickshaw, and refused to leave India permanently despite many offers. He often said that he could not live away from the River Ganga and the holy city of Banaras.
Throughout his long career, Ustad Bismillah Khan received many awards and honours. These included the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan, and finally, the Bharat Ratna in 2001—the highest civilian award of India. He was only the third classical musician to receive this honour.
Bismillah Khan passed away on August 21, 2006, at the age of 90. The entire nation mourned his death, and the Indian Army gave him a 21-gun salute. His funeral was attended by thousands of people who loved and respected him.
Ustad Bismillah Khan’s life was a true example of devotion, simplicity, and patriotism. He showed that real success does not come from money or fame but from sincerity and love for one’s art. His shehnai continues to echo in the hearts of music lovers across the world, reminding everyone that music can be both pure and divine.
FAQs
1. How did Bismillah Khan die?
Answer – Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away in the early hours of 21 August 2006 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 90.
Here are the key facts about how he died:
He had been admitted on 17 August 2006 to the Heritage Hospital in Varanasi for treatment of age-related health issues and electrolyte imbalance.
On 21 August at around 1:45 a.m., his condition deteriorated suddenly and he suffered a cardiac arrest (heart-failure/heart attack) and was unable to be revived. He was declared dead at about 2:20 a.m. im.rediff.com
His passing was seen as the end of an era in Indian classical music; the Government of India declared a day of national mourning in his honour.en.wikipedia.org
2. How did Bismillah Khan take to music?
Answer – Bismillah Khan was born into a family deeply rooted in music, so it came naturally to him. His father, Paigambar Bux Khan, was a court musician in Dumraon, Bihar. When the family later moved to Varanasi, his maternal uncle, Ustad Ali Bux Vilayatu Khan — the official shehnai player at Kashi Vishwanath Temple — became his teacher. Under his uncle’s guidance, young Bismillah practised for hours on the banks of the Ganga, learning ragas and perfecting the shehnai’s sound. His devotion and years of practice turned a simple folk instrument into one respected in Indian classical music.
Verified Sources:
[Britannica – Bismillah Khan Biography]
3. How many awards did Bismillah Khan receive?
Answer – There is no publicly verified total tally of every single award (including all state honours, international recognitions, medals, and academic honours), the list below captures his major national and international recognitions.
Key National Awards
He received the Padma Shri (one of India’s civilian honours) in 1961.
He received the Padma Bhushan in 1968.
He got the Padma Vibhushan in 1980.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna (India’s highest civilian award) in 2001.
Other Significant Recognitions
He won the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award in 1956.
He was granted the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (the Fellowship) in 1994.
Awards from states & abroad:
Swathi Sangeetha Puraskaram (Kerala Government) in 1998.
T. Choudayya National Award (Karnataka) in 1995.
Tahar Mausique from Iran in 1992.
4. When did Ustad Bismillah Khan die?
Answer – Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21 August 2006 in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, at the age of 90. He was admitted to Heritage Hospital due to age-related health problems and later suffered a cardiac arrest.Thousands of admirers attended his funeral on the banks of the Ganga, where he had once practised his music.
