This page offers The Sound of Music Part- 2 Short answer type question for Class 9 from the book Beehive. We’ve put together a bunch of Short answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand The Sound of Music Part- 2 Short answer type question
Short Answer Type Questions and Answers from Part 2: Bismillah Khan
1. Question : How did Bismillah Khan’s music journey begin?
Answer : Bismillah Khan began his musical journey early in his childhood. His uncle, Ali Bux, a skilled shehnai player influenced him. The musical environment at home played a great role in growing his interest in music from a very young age.
2. Question : Why was the shehnai considered auspicious?
Answer : The shehnai was considered an auspicious instrument because it was played in temples and North Indian weddings. People believe it brings good luck. In the past, it was also one of nine important instruments played at royal courts.
3. Question : What was unique about Bismillah Khan’s approach to the shehnai?
Answer : Bismillah Khan changed how the shehnai was played by adding new musical styles called raagas. This made the shehnai more important and well-known in Indian classical music.
4. Question : Describe an instance where Bismillah Khan’s performance was historically significant.
Answer : A historically significant performance by Bismillah Khan was on India’s Independence Day in 1947, where he played at the Red Fort, marking a momentous occasion with his music.
5. Question : What does Bismillah Khan’s attachment to Varanasi symbolise?
Answer : Bismillah Khan’s strong connection to Varanasi shows his deep love for tradition, culture, and the spiritual meaning of music. This reflects the city’s rich history in music.
6. Question: How did Bismillah Khan’s music bring people of different religions together?
Answer: His music brought different religions together because he played at Hindu temples even though he was a devout Muslim. This shows how music can unite people and create cultural harmony.
7. Question : What lesson can we learn from Bismillah Khan’s refusal to commercialise his art?
Answer : From his decision not to commercialise his art, we learn the importance of staying true to one’s art and values, even when fame and money are possible.
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
8. Question : How did Bismillah Khan influence future generations of musicians?
Answer : He influenced future generations by teaching and preserving the art of shehnai playing, inspiring young musicians to continue the tradition and explore the depths of Indian classical music.
9. Question : What was the impact of Bismillah Khan’s music on the global stage?
Answer : Bismillah Khan’s music made a big impact worldwide. He introduced people worldwide to shehnai and Indian classical music. This helped people from different cultures appreciate each other’s music.
10. Question : How did Bismillah Khan maintain his humility despite global fame?
Answer : Despite being famous around the world, he stayed humble and true to his cultural and musical roots. He valued the true spirit of music more than the appeal of being a celebrity.
11. Question : Explain how Bismillah Khan’s music serves as a bridge between cultures.
Answer : His music acts as a bridge between different cultures because it speaks the universal language of music. It connects people from various backgrounds through the emotional and spiritual depth of his performances.
12. Question : What role did Bismillah Khan’s upbringing play in his musical career?
Answer : His upbringing in a musical family was very important. It provided a supportive environment where his talent could grow and taught him a deep respect for musical tradition.
13. Question : How did Bismillah Khan’s performances evoke patriotic feelings among Indians?
Answer : His performances at national events brought out strong feelings of pride in India. They showed the country’s rich history and the deep emotions of its people.
Also Read:
- 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
- How did ‘pungi’ transform into a Shehnai?
14. Question : What does Bismillah Khan’s legacy teach us about the power of music?
Answer : His legacy shows us that music can cross boundaries, bring people together, and express deep emotions. This highlights how powerful and transformative art can be.
15. Question : If Bismillah Khan had a chance to learn another instrument, which one might he have chosen and why?
Answer : He might have chosen the flute, as it also holds a deep cultural significance in India and can produce soulful melodies similar to the shehnai, with musical sensibilities.
16. Question : How would Bismillah Khan’s music have evolved if he had access to modern digital music technologies?
Answer : With modern technology, he might have mixed traditional shehnai sounds with digital music. This could have created a blend that honours tradition while exploring new styles, broadening his musical range.
17. Question : How might Bismillah Khan’s approach to music have influenced modern Indian musicians?
Answer : Modern Indian musicians might be inspired by his dedication to traditional forms while being open to innovation, encouraging them to explore and experiment within their genres while staying rooted in tradition.
18. Question: How might modern technology have changed Bismillah Khan’s music?
Answer: With modern technology, he could have combined traditional shehnai music with digital sounds. This would have allowed him to retain the old traditions while also trying new styles, expanding his range of music.
19. Question : If Bismillah Khan wrote an autobiography, what life lesson would he emphasise the most for future generations?
Answer : He would probably give emphasis on the importance of having passion and dedication to your work. He would also say it’s important to stay true to your roots and culture, no matter how famous or wealthy you become.
20. Question: How did practicing the Ganges River affect Bismillah Khan’s music?
Answer: Practising by the calm and spiritual Ganges River shaped his music. It made his music peaceful and deep. The quiet area helped him include the smooth flow of the river in his music. This made his music feel special and deep.
21. Question: What qualities would Bismillah Khan look for in a young musician he was teaching today?
Answer: He would look for hard work, respect for old musical traditions, eagerness to learn and try new things, and most importantly, a true love for music beyond just skill.
22. Question: What lessons can we take from Bismillah Khan’s focus on the shehnai despite other instruments being more popular?
Answer: His dedication shows the importance of remaining connected with what you love and preserving cultural heritage. It shows that real joy comes from following your passion and maintaining traditions.
23. Question: How does Bismillah Khan playing at Hindu temples, even though he was Muslim, help promote harmony between communities?
Answer: His actions show that music goes beyond religion, bringing people together. It encourages us to focus on what we share as humans, promoting peace and understanding among different groups.
24. Question: What lessons can we learn from Bismillah Khan’s decision not to commercialise his music?
Answer: This teaches us to value integrity and authenticity over making money. It reminds us to stay true to our values and passions, even when there are pressures to do otherwise.
25. Question: What can we learn about humility and success from Bismillah Khan’s journey from humble beginnings to global fame?
Answer: His story shows that real success comes with humility and respecting where you come from. It teaches us that staying humble helps keep us connected to our roots, even when we achieve great things.
26. Question: What did Bismillah Khan think about the role of music in society based on his work?
Answer: Bismillah Khan likely thought music is a powerful way to show and share culture and to bring people together. His work shows he believed music could touch people’s feelings, connect them, and help keep cultural traditions alive, making society richer.
27. Question: How did Bismillah Khan’s music help keep Indian classical music alive for future generations?
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s commitment to the shehnai and his new compositions encouraged both musicians and audiences to appreciate Indian classical music. It has greatly helped keep Indian classical music alive for future generations.
28. Question: What does Bismillah Khan’s choice to stay in Varanasi, despite his fame, show about the importance of our roots?
A: It shows our hometown is very important to who we are. It suggests that being close to where we grew up can make us happy and inspire us.
29. Question: How does Bismillah Khan’s music show that music can connect different cultures?
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s music crossed cultural and national lines, showing that art and music are universal languages that help people from different backgrounds understand, empathise, and unite with each other.
30. Question: How does Bismillah Khan’s music show that music can connect different cultures?
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s music crossed cultural and national lines, showing that art and music are universal languages that help people from different backgrounds understand, empathise, and unite with one another.
Note- Following are the memory based questions that were asked before 2024 in the curriculum. They are still useful. Go through them also and gain some good stuff for your learning of “The Sound of Music” Part- 2
Q1. Why did Aurangzeb ban playing pungi? (Textual)
Answer: Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi because he considered it as a reed noisemaker with its loud, shrill, and unpleasant sound. He prohibited its play in the royal court.
Q2. Why did the pungi become a generic name for “reeded”? noisemakers”?
Answer: The pungi made loud, harsh, unpleasant music. Due to its shrill sound, Emperor Aurangzeb banned it in the royal palace. Since it was a reed instrument that produced noisy sounds, “pungi” became a general term for loud reed instruments.
Q3. How is a ‘shehnai’ different from a pungi? (Textual)
Answer: Although both are reed instruments, a shehnai is different from a pungi. It has a longer and wider stem and makes soft, melodious sounds, unlike the loud and harsh sounds of a pungi.
Q4. 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.
Q5. How did ‘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 combination of the two words ‘shah’ and ‘nai’ formed the name ‘shehnai’.
Q6. Why was shehnai played at temples and weddings?
Answer: The shehnai’s music was soft and melodious, which made people believe it was auspicious. Because of this, it was often played in temples and during the joyful, special moments of weddings.
Q7. Where was the shehnai traditionally played? How did Bismillah Khan change it?
Or
How did Bismillah Khan bring the ‘shehnai’ onto the classical stage? (Textual)
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.
Q8. 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 often sang the Bhojpuri ‘chaita’ at the Bihariji temple in his hometown of Dumraon, Bihar. After singing, he would receive a large laddu weighing 1.25 kg from the local Maharaja as a reward.
Q9. What kind of family did Bismillah Khan hail from?
Answer: Bismillah Khan comes from a family of musicians in Bihar. His grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, played the shehnai at the royal court of the Bhojpur king. His father, Paigambar Bux, and other family members were also shehnai players.
Q10. Who was Ali Bux? Where was he employed and what was his influence on Bismillah Khan?
Answer: Ali Bux, Bismillah Khan’s maternal uncle, was both his mentor and trainer. He was a skilled shehnai player employed at the Vishnu temple in Benaras. From a very young age, Bismillah Khan would go with his uncle to the temple and learn to play the shehnai from him.
Q11. What were young Bismillah Khan’s favourite places for practising music and why?
Answer: Young Bismillah Khan loved practising music at the temple of Balaji and Mangala Maiya, and by the banks of the Ganga. These places were quiet and let him practise alone. The flowing waters of the Ganga inspired him to create new ragas that people thought were too difficult for the shehnai.
Q12. When and how did Bismillah Khan get his big break? (Textual)
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s big break came in 1938 when All India Radio started in Lucknow. He was frequently invited to play the shehnai and quickly became a well-known shehnai player on the radio.
Q13. Where did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai on August 15, 1947, and why was the event historic?
Answer: Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at the Red Fort in New Delhi on August 15, 1947, just before Pandit Nehru’s speech. This event was historic because it marked India’s independence from British rule. Bismillah Khan was the first Indian to musically greet the nation, playing the melodious Raag Kafi passionately on his shehnai.
Q14. 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.
Q15. 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”
Q16. How was Bismillah Khan’s music appreciated and recognised on the international level?
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s music was celebrated worldwide. He was the first Indian to perform at Lincoln Central Hall in the USA. He also took part in events like the World Exposition in Montreal, the Cannes Art Festival, and the Osaka Trade Fair. An auditorium in Tehran was even named after him.
Q17. How did India honour and reward the great musician, Bismillah Khan?
Answer: India recognized Bismillah Khan’s contributions by awarding him the country’s top honours – the Padmashri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan. In 2001, he received the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian award in India.
Q18. Why did Bismillah Khan want that the children in India should be taught music?
Answer: Bismillah Khan highly valued Indian music, especially Hindustani music, seeing it as India’s richest heritage. He believed that children should stay connected to this grand tradition, which even captivates people from the West.
Q19. What offer did one of Bismillah Khan’s students in the US make to him? Why?
Answer: A student of Bismillah Khan, who lived in the US, wanted him to head a shehnai school there. He promised to recreate the feel of India by building temples similar to those in Benaras.
Q20. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to start a shehnai school in the U.S.A.? (Textual)
Answer: Bismillah Khan was deeply patriotic and had a strong love for Benaras and Dumraon in India. He was particularly attached to the Ganga River and couldn’t imagine living away from it. Because of his love for these places and the river, he turned down an offer to move to the US and lead a shehnai school.
Q21. Why does the author believe that Bismillah Khan’s life is “a perfect example of the rich, cultural heritage of India”?
Answer: India is welcoming to all religions and communities, and its culture is a mix of many different groups. Bismillah Khan’s life shows this well. He was a devout Muslim but still played the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, demonstrating how music can bring different people together.
Q22. Find instances in the text which tell you that Bismillah Khan loved India and Benaras. (Textual)
Answer: Bismillah Khan’s deep love for India and Benaras was clear when he rejected an offer to move to the US and head a shehnai school, even though his student promised to build temples like those in India. His love for his homeland was also clear in his acceptance speech for the Bharat Ratna, where he praised Hindustani music as India’s richest heritage.
