HOMEWORK

CLASS
THE SOUND OF MUSIC – BISMILLAH KHAN
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Attempt the following questions in your English fair notebook. Do not forget to write
down the questions too in your notebook before answering each question.
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I. Answer the following questions in about 40-50 words each.
1. How did Bismillah Khan bring the ‘shehnai’ to the classical stage?
2. Which two films was Bismillah Khan associated with? Why did he discontinue his journey in the film
world?
3. Why does Bismillah Khan call Benares and Dumraon the most wonderful towns of the world?

II. Answer the following questions in about 100-120 words each:

1. What lessons can Bismillah Khan’s life teach the people of modern day India?
2. Music ran in Bismillah Khan’s family. Discuss.
3. If you were asked to speak in a conference on one aspect of Bismillah Khan’s personality, what will
you choose and why?

PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Short Answer Type Questions

1. How was pungi improved upon? What did it transform into?

2. How did shehnai get its name?
3. Where did Bismillah Khan start singing as a young boy?
4. Where did Bismillah Khan find the atmosphere of solitude for practicing music?
5. When did Bismillah Khan get a ‘big break’ in music?
6. How did Ustab Faiyaz Khan’s prediction about Bismillah Khan prove true?
7. On which historic moment did Bismillah Khan greet the nation? Which raga did he play?
8. Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to head a shehnai school in the U.S.A?

Long Answer Type Questions

1. What do you know about the early life of Bismillah Khan? How did it foreshadow his bright future?
2. Bismillah Khan inherited music from his elders and enriched it with his contribution. Discuss.
3. What role did Benaras and Dumraon play in making Bismillah Khan a legendary musician?