How is a shehnai different from a pungi?
The shehnai and the pungi are both wind instruments, but they are quite different from each other. The pungi was an old instrument that had a sharp, not-so-pleasant sound. Because of its sound, Emperor Aurangzeb once banned it in his royal residence.
The shehnai, on the other hand, is like a refined version of the pungi. A clever musician, who was also a barber by profession, thought of improving the pungi. He made a new instrument that had a longer and broader tube with seven holes for playing different notes. When this new instrument was played, it produced soft and melodious sounds, very different from the harsh sounds of the pungi.
Also Read:
- Where was the shehnai traditionally played? How did Bismillah Khan change this?
- Ron Forbes Character Sketch | The Sound of Music Part – 1
- Evelyn Glennie Character Sketch | The Sound of Music Part – 1
- The Sound of Music Part- 1 Very Short answer Type Question
- The Sound of Music Part-I Long Answer Type Question
- The Sound of Music Part-I Summary Class 9
- The Sound of Music Extract Based Question Answer English
This new instrument was named “shehnai” because it was played in the Shah’s chamber (Sheh) and was invented by a Nai (barber). The shehnai’s sound was so beautiful and pleasing that it started to be played in temples and at auspicious occasions like weddings.
Bismillah Khan, a famous musician, made the shehnai even more popular by playing it on big stages all around the world. So, while the pungi was a simple instrument with a sharp sound, the shehnai became known for its rich, melodious tunes.
Also Read:
- The Sound of Music Part- 1 Short Answer Type Question
- The Sound of Music Part-I Value Points
- The Sound of Music Part- 1 Summary in Hindi
- The Sound of Music- Part-1 Theme
- The Sound of Music Moral and Message
- The Sound of Music Part- 1 Word Meaning with Hindi
Answer- 2 Shehnai vs. Pungi – Point Wise
Here is a point wise answer to the question “How is a shehnai different from a pungi?” This point wise answer will help you to understand the answer deeply and remember easily.
1. Sound Quality
Pungi: Sharp and harsh.
Shehnai: Soft and melodious.
2. Use
Pungi: Used mainly to charm snakes.
Shehnai: Played in temples and at weddings.
3. Origin
Pungi: An old instrument with a simple design.
Shehnai: Improved version of the pungi, made more sophisticated.
4. Design
Pungi: Shorter with a simple structure.
Shehnai: Longer, broader tube with seven holes for different notes.
6. Name Origin
Pungi: Generic name for reeded instruments.
Shehnai: Named for being played in the Shah’s chamber (‘Sheh’) by a barber (‘Nai’).
7. Cultural Impact
Pungi: Limited to specific uses like snake charming.
Shehnai: Became a symbol of auspicious occasions, thanks to musicians like Bismillah Khan.
