SEBA Class 9 English The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Important MCQs (2026–27) | Assam Eduverse
By Jamal Ali (M.Sc Physics, 5+ years teaching experience) · Reviewed by Editorial Board
SEBA Class 9 English The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Important MCQs (2026–27) are extremely important for students preparing for the Assam Board examination. These MCQs are based on the latest SEBA syllabus and include both factual and concept-based questions that are frequently asked in exams.
Practicing SEBA Class 9 The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan MCQs helps students understand the life, dedication, and contribution of Bismillah Khan to Indian classical music. These important MCQs improve accuracy, speed, and confidence, making this chapter a scoring and high-weightage topic for the final exam.
To prepare effectively, students should go through complete question answers of The Sound of Music and practice regularly using chapterwise MCQs. Referring to the updated SEBA syllabus also helps in focusing on the most relevant topics and improving overall exam performance.
SEBA Class 9 English The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Important MCQs – Assam Board 2026–27 Exam Practice
Before You Start
Read every question carefully. As soon as you tap an option, it is checked automatically — no need to press any button. The explanation unlocks right after you answer the question so that you can learn every concept properly.
Who banned the playing of the musical instrument pungi in the royal residence?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The historical background of the chapter begins during the Mughal era. Emperor Aurangzeb issued a strict ban against playing the pungi in the palace complex. He could not tolerate the noise it produced and felt that such a crude reed instrument had no place in the formal atmosphere of the royal court.
Option Analysis
- A. Shah Jahan and B. Akbar are incorrect because these earlier Mughal rulers were famous patrons of diverse classical music and art forms, never placing a ban on the instrument.
- D. Bahadur Shah is incorrect as he was the last Mughal ruler and is not part of the timeline of the shehnai's origin story.
Exam Tip
Aurangzeb is often portrayed in history as a very strict and reserved ruler. Linking his stern historical personality to his dislike of loud, shrill music will help you easily remember who banned the pungi.
Why was the pungi banned?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The ban had everything to do with audio quality. The textbook explains that the pungi generated a generic, shrill and unpleasant sound. Because it was basically a loud noisemaker rather than a refined classical instrument, the Emperor felt it ruined the peace of the royal residence.
Option Analysis
- A. It was too expensive is incorrect because it was a simple, cheaply made folk instrument crafted out of natural hollowed reeds.
- C. It was difficult to play is incorrect; it was widely played by snake charmers and street performers across the country.
- D. It was broken is an incorrect literal distractor that does not reflect the structural musical criticism it faced.
Exam Tip
Commit the exact textbook words to memory: "shrill and unpleasant". Examiners often pull these exact adjectives directly out of the text to form the correct option.
Who improved the tonal quality of the pungi?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
After the pungi was banned, its revival came from an unexpected place. A barber (nai) who belonged to a family of professional musicians had regular access to the royal palace. Determined to save the banned reed concept, he used his musical knowledge to completely redesign the physical structure of the pipe.
Option Analysis
- A. A king is wrong because the Emperor only banned the old design; he did not engage in crafting or artisan work.
- C. A temple priest is incorrect; although the instrument was used in temples later, a priest did not handle the initial redesign.
- D. A British officer is historically out of place since this event took place well within the native Mughal court era.
Exam Tip
The trade profession of the inventor is the entire key to the naming of the instrument. Remembering that a **barber (nai)** made the modifications makes the background story easy to link up.
What changes were made to improve the pungi?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
To transform the sound, the barber selected a natural hollow stem that was deliberately longer and wider than the original pungi. He then carefully drilled seven distinct finger holes into the body of the pipe. By opening and closing these holes while blowing air, he produced soft, sweet, and melodic tones instead of a single harsh blare.
Option Analysis
- A. It was shortened is incorrect because a shorter pipe would actually increase the shrillness of the sound pitch.
- B. It was made of gold is incorrect as it remained an organic wood-based instrument designed for pure structural resonance.
- D. It was played with strings is incorrect because it remained a wind-blown woodwind instrument, never a stringed lute or sitar.
Exam Tip
Focus on the number **seven**. Remembering the seven specific finger holes drilled into the body is a classic detail that examiners look for to verify you have read the text closely.
Why was the new instrument named shehnai?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The name of the instrument is a simple combination of its origin story. Because it was performed for the first time inside the chambers of the Emperor (Shah) and was crafted and played by a simple barber (nai), the people joined the two titles together to name the new creation the Shah-nai (Shehnai).
Option Analysis
- A. It was played in temples is true regarding its later usage, but the religious setting had nothing to do with how it got its name.
- C. It was invented by a king is incorrect because the ruler only listened to the performance; he did not design it.
- D. It was made of silver is a factually incorrect distractor.
Exam Tip
Break the word down visually in your mind: Shah + Nai = Shehnai. This linguistic breakdown makes it impossible to forget the historical reason behind the name.
The sound of the shehnai is considered:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
As the shehnai evolved, its soft tones earned it a special spiritual status. The music came to be considered deeply auspicious, meaning it was believed to bring good fortune, prosperity, and divine blessings. Because of this spiritual association, it became an indispensable part of holy settings.
Option Analysis
- A. Harsh and D. Unpleasant are incorrect because these were the traits of the old pungi, which the shehnai successfully fixed.
- B. Ordinary is incorrect because the instrument holds an elevated, elite classical status across Indian heritage.
Exam Tip
The term "auspicious" is the main vocabulary focus of the second paragraph. Always connect **shehnai** directly with **auspicious** when discussing its cultural position in North Indian traditions.
Earlier, the shehnai was mainly played in:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Historically, the shehnai belonged to the traditional *naubat* (a traditional ensemble of nine musical instruments found at royal residences). Because of its highly auspicious nature, its daily use was strictly restricted to sacred temples and the formal greeting areas of royal courts.
Option Analysis
- A. Cinema halls and B. Schools are completely modern venues that are not part of the early traditional history of the instrument.
- D. Markets is incorrect because it was considered far too refined and sacred to be played as ordinary marketplace busking music.
Exam Tip
Keep the traditional settings clear. Before it became a modern concert hall solo instrument, the shehnai was limited exclusively to **temples, royal courts, and weddings**.
Who brought the shehnai onto the classical stage?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
While the shehnai had been used for centuries as a ceremonial background instrument, Ustad Bismillah Khan completely changed its trajectory. Through his deep genius and endless practice, he broke down old limitations, composed classical ragas on it, and elevated it onto the international classical concert stage.
Option Analysis
- A. Ali Bux was his maternal uncle who taught him the foundations but stayed local to Varanasi temples.
- B. Ustad Faiyaz Khan was a legendary classical vocalist who patted his back and encouraged him, but did not play the shehnai.
- D. Rasool Bux Khan was Bismillah’s grandfather who played in the Bhojpur king's court without transitioning to the broader classical concert platform.
Exam Tip
This forms the central thesis statement of the whole lesson. If a question mentions shifting the shehnai from a *ceremonial instrument* to a *classical master art form*, the answer is always **Ustad Bismillah Khan**.
Bismillah Khan played the shehnai near which river as a child?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
As a young apprentice in Varanasi, Bismillah Khan found his deepest creative inspiration along the banks of the River Ganga. The flowing, rhythmic motion and natural solitude of the river gave him the peace he needed to practice for hours, helping him improvise ragas that people previously thought were impossible to play on the shehnai.
Option Analysis
- A. Yamuna is incorrect as it is tied geographically to Agra and Delhi, rather than his formative home base in Varanasi.
- C. Godavari and D. Narmada are southern/central rivers completely unrelated to his life timeline.
Exam Tip
The River **Ganga** is treated like a main character in Bismillah Khan's life. He loved it so much that he later refused to settle in America, stating that no one could replicate the spiritual presence of the Ganga abroad.
Bismillah Khan was born on:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Ustad Bismillah Khan was born into a highly respected lineage of court musicians on 21 March 1916 in the town of Dumraon, Bihar. This date marks the beginning of a life that would eventually earn India's absolute highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna.
Option Analysis
- A. 15 August 1947 is incorrect because this is India’s Independence Day—the historic day he played shehnai from the Red Fort as an adult, not his birthdate.
- C. 2 October 1869 is the birthdate of Mahatma Gandhi.
- D. 26 January 1950 is India's first Republic Day.
Exam Tip
Be careful not to mix up his actual birthdate (21 March 1916) with the historic date of Independence Day (15 August 1947), where he made history with his music. Keep those two milestones completely separate!
Bismillah Khan belonged to a family of:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Music was deeply embedded in Bismillah Khan's family line. He was born into a well-known family of traditional musicians in Bihar. Both his paternal ancestors and his maternal relatives were accomplished shehnai players who spent their lives performing in royal courts and sacred temples.
Option Analysis
- A. Farmers, B. Soldiers, and D. Teachers are completely incorrect occupations that are not part of his family lineage in the textbook.
Exam Tip
The chapter notes that his grandfather Rasool Bux Khan and his father Paigambar Bux were both famous shehnai players. This highlights that his mastery was built on a rich, multi-generational **musical inheritance**.
Who was Bismillah Khan’s maternal uncle and teacher?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
When Bismillah Khan moved to Varanasi at three years old, his training began under his maternal uncle, Ali Bux (also known as Ali Bux 'Vilayatu'). Ali Bux was employed to play the shehnai at the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple, and young Bismillah sat spellbound for hours watching him play, eventually becoming his dedicated apprentice.
Option Analysis
- A. Rasool Bux Khan is incorrect because he was Bismillah's grandfather, not his maternal uncle.
- C. Paigambar Bux is incorrect as he was Bismillah's biological father.
- D. Faiyaz Khan is incorrect because he was an outside classical maestro who encouraged him at a conference, not a relative or daily teacher.
Exam Tip
Be careful to distinguish between the relatives: **Paigambar Bux is the father**, **Rasool Bux is the grandfather**, and **Ali Bux is the maternal uncle** who provided his core musical training in Varanasi.
At what age did Bismillah Khan accompany his uncle to the Allahabad Music Conference?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
A major early milestone occurred when Bismillah Khan turned 14 years old. His uncle Ali Bux took him along to the formal Allahabad Music Conference. Performing in front of elite classical artists was a big test for the young teenager, and his recital caught the attention of the country's top maestros.
Option Analysis
- A. 10 and B. 12 are incorrect because he was still practicing locally in the temples of Varanasi during these early childhood years.
- D. 18 is incorrect because by this age he was already preparing for wider professional work, including his upcoming radio debut.
Exam Tip
Chronological milestones are high-value targets for examiners. Make a flashcard connecting the age **14** directly to the **Allahabad Music Conference** to keep this clear.
Who encouraged Bismillah Khan at the Allahabad Music Conference?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
At the end of his recital at the Allahabad Music Conference, the young Bismillah Khan received invaluable validation. The legendary classical vocalist Ustad Faiyaz Khan patted the young boy’s shoulder and gave him an inspiring piece of advice: "Work hard and you shall make it."
Option Analysis
- A. King Zahir Shah is incorrect because he was the monarch of Afghanistan who praised him much later during an international tour, not at Allahabad.
- B. Jawaharlal Nehru is incorrect; while he was present when Bismillah performed at the Red Fort in 1947, he was not the musical mentor at this early conference.
- D. Vijay Bhatt is incorrect because he was a modern film director who discovered Bismillah later in life and named a movie after his instrument.
Exam Tip
Remember the exact phrase **"patting his back"**. The text specifically associates the famous vocalist **Ustad Faiyaz Khan** with this gesture of encouragement at the end of the conference session.
Bismillah Khan’s big break came with the opening of:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
In the year 1938, Bismillah Khan landed his definitive career breakthrough. The launch of All India Radio (AIR) in Lucknow opened doors for him to become a regular broadcast artist. His performances were regularly transmitted over the airwaves, quickly introducing his melodious shehnai music to thousands of households across the country.
Option Analysis
- A. Doordarshan is incorrect because it is a television platform that came along much later in India's media history.
- C. BBC and D. Radio Ceylon are incorrect international broadcasting networks that were not the site of his primary domestic professional breakthrough.
Exam Tip
Tie three key details together in your mind: the year **1938**, the station **Lucknow**, and the network **All India Radio**. This exact cluster is a favorite choice for objective-type exam sheets!
When India gained independence, Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
On 15 August 1947, Bismillah Khan became the first Indian to greet the independent nation with his music. He performed live from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort in Delhi, welcoming a free India just hours before Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru delivered his legendary "Tryst with Destiny" address.
Option Analysis
- A. India Gate is incorrect; while it is a major landmark in Delhi, it was not the location chosen for the independence ceremonies.
- B. Rashtrapati Bhavan is incorrect as this building serves as the official presidential home rather than the main staging ground for the historic day.
- D. Parliament House is incorrect because the out-of-doors musical welcome was positioned at the fort complex.
Exam Tip
The Red Fort holds unique political weight in India's independence history. Linking the fort to the birth of a free nation makes it easy to remember where Bismillah Khan made his historic mark.
Which raag did Bismillah Khan play on 15 August 1947?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
During his legendary performance at the Red Fort on Independence Day, Bismillah Khan chose to perform Raag Kafi. He literally poured his soul into the melody, creating a deeply emotional experience for an audience that included prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and D are incorrect because these alternative traditional ragas are not mentioned in relation to the historic Independence Day performance.
Exam Tip
Examiners frequently target the exact name of the melody played on August 15. Make sure to commit Raag Kafi to memory—it's a classic single-mark factual item.
Bismillah Khan’s first foreign trip was to:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
As his fame grew outside India, Bismillah Khan began touring globally. His very first official international journey took him to neighboring Afghanistan, where his performances completely mesmerized the royal court.
Option Analysis
- A. U.S.A. is incorrect; although he toured America later and was offered opportunities to settle there, it was not his first stop.
- C. Canada and D. Pakistan are incorrect geographical options not recorded as his first international destination.
Exam Tip
Keep your global timeline in order. The textbook explicitly identifies **Afghanistan** as his gateway to international touring.
Which king was impressed by Bismillah Khan in Afghanistan?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
During his tour of Afghanistan, Bismillah Khan performed for the royal palace. King Zahir Shah was so deeply captivated by the beautiful melodies that he gifted the maestro priceless Persian carpets and other rare royal souvenirs as a mark of absolute respect.
Option Analysis
- A. King George is incorrect as he belongs to the British royal lineage.
- C. King Akbar belongs to the old domestic Mughal era rather than modern international history.
- D. King Faisal is a distractor option not mentioned in the text.
Exam Tip
Tie the name King Zahir Shah directly to the phrase **"Persian carpets"**. Examiners often use the specific gifts mentioned in the text to test your memory of this event.
In which film did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Bismillah Khan briefly dipped his toes into the commercial cinema industry. Movie director Vijay Bhatt heard him play at a music festival and was so completely spellbound that he named a feature film after the instrument: Gunj Uthi Shehnai. The maestro composed a massive hit song for the movie, though he ultimately left cinema because he disliked the artificial nature of the film world.
Option Analysis
- A, C, and D are all legendary historical milestones in Indian cinema, but they are not the projects that featured Bismillah Khan's musical collaboration.
Exam Tip
The name of the correct film contains the name of the instrument itself—**Shehnai**. This literal clue makes it incredibly easy to single out the right option on your test paper.
Bismillah Khan was awarded the Bharat Ratna in:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The absolute peak of his professional decoration occurred in the year 2001, when he was officially awarded India's highest civilian honor, the Bharat Ratna. Holding the prestigious medal close to his chest, he urged parents to teach their children classical music, calling it India’s richest cultural tradition.
Option Analysis
- A, C, and D are incorrect calendar years that do not match the official record of his highest civilian recognition.
Exam Tip
The year **2001** stands out as a massive milestone in the chapter. Keep this specific milestone clear from his early radio breakthrough year (1938) and Independence year (1947).
Which award is India’s highest civilian award?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The textbook outlines that Bismillah Khan collected all the major national decorations over his life, including the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan. However, the absolute highest possible rank among these civilian recognitions is the Bharat Ratna, which translates literally to the "Jewel of India."
Option Analysis
- A, B, and C are highly prestigious national decorations, but they occupy lower tiers of hierarchy compared to the ultimate civilian award.
Exam Tip
Think of the civilian awards as a ladder. The **Bharat Ratna** occupies the very top rung. Remembering this hierarchy helps clear up any confusion on multi-award questions.
Bismillah Khan was deeply attached to which two places?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Despite finding massive worldwide fame, Bismillah Khan remained grounded. He considered Banaras (where he learned his art along the Ganga) and Dumraon (his ancestral birthplace in Bihar) to be the two most wonderful places on Earth. He refused to permanently leave them for any foreign country.
Option Analysis
- A, C, and D are major urban commercial and historical centers, but they did not hold the personal, soulful, childhood connection that anchored him to his roots.
Exam Tip
Always group these two hometown spaces together: **Dumraon is where he was born**, and **Banaras is where he grew up musically**. This simple pairing is a staple question in school tests.
Assertion (A): Bismillah Khan refused to settle in the U.S.A. Reason (R): He was deeply attached to Banaras and the Ganga.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
One of Bismillah Khan's students once offered to set up a dedicated shehnai school for him in the United States, promising to replicate the temple designs of Varanasi. The maestro declined, asking if the student could also migrate the physical River Ganga. This shows Assertion (A) is completely accurate, and Reason (R) perfectly states the cultural home connection behind his choice.
Option Analysis
- B is wrong because there is a direct link between his deep love for the holy river and his choice to refuse the American offer.
- C and D are incorrect because both components are well-documented facts from the text.
Exam Tip
This story showcases his intense patriotism and love for his roots. Whenever you analyze his decision regarding America, think directly of his deep, unbreakable bond with the **River Ganga**.
Assertion (A): The shehnai was earlier not considered fit for classical music. Reason (R): It was mainly played in temples and royal courts.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Historically, the shehnai was treated as a strictly ritualistic instrument, limited to an ensemble used for wedding rituals and sacred temple or royal court entry ceremonies. Because it was tied purely to these fixed traditional duties, it was never viewed as a standalone classical stage art until Bismillah Khan broke those limits down. Thus, the reason accurately explains the narrow early status described in the assertion.
Option Analysis
- B is incorrect because its restrictive use inside specialized traditional spaces directly explains why mainstream classical musicians ignored it for centuries.
- C and D are incorrect because both historical facts are fully verified by the text.
Exam Tip
Remember that classical status requires an instrument to be able to play independent, complex ragas. Being stuck as a basic *ceremonial tool* in courts is the exact reason it wasn't taken seriously as a classical heavyweight early on.
Bismillah Khan’s grandfather was a shehnai player in the court of:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The ancestral heritage of the family is explicitly mapped out in the third paragraph. His grandfather, Rasool Bux Khan, held a prestigious post as the official *Shehnai-Nawaz* (court shehnai player) inside the palace of the local Bhojpur king.
Option Analysis
- A. The Mughal emperor is incorrect; while the instrument originated in the Mughal court, Bismillah’s specific grandfather worked locally in Bihar.
- C. The British governor and D. The Nawab of Awadh are incorrect distractors that do not fit his ancestral history.
Exam Tip
Connect **Grandfather (Rasool Bux)** directly with **Bhojpur Court**. This historical match frequently pops up to test your attention to his early family tree details.
What prize did young Bismillah Khan receive for singing the Bhojpuri ‘Chaita’?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
As a five-year-old boy in Dumraon, Bismillah Khan would regularly visit the local Bihariji temple to sing the traditional Bhojpuri song 'Chaita'. At the end of his performance, the local Maharaja would reward his efforts with a massive laddu weighing exactly 1.25 kg. This sweet prize was a huge source of pride for the young boy long before he ever won national medals.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and D are all conventional modern awards or cash prizes, completely missing the unique, traditional reward explicitly detailed in the opening section of his life history.
Exam Tip
Keep the weight number clear: **1.25 kg**. Examiners love to throw in slightly different weights (like 1 kg or 2 kg) as distractors, so memorize the exact decimal point!
For how many years did Bismillah Khan play the shehnai?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Bismillah Khan passed away at the age of ninety in August 2006. The chapter underlines his monumental devotion to his craft by highlighting that he played and practiced the shehnai for an incredible, uninterrupted stretch of nearly 80 years, mapping out a lifelong journey of dedication.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and C are shorter time periods that fail to capture the near-century scale of his extraordinary artistic career.
Exam Tip
Think about the math: he started practicing seriously before he was ten and lived to be ninety. That leaves an incredible **80-year legacy** spent mastering a single instrument.
The temple where Bismillah Khan regularly practised was:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The text records that the young apprentice found his favorite sanctuary inside the city. He would sit for hours in total isolation at the Vishnu Temple (alongside the Balaji Temple) in Benaras. The quiet, sacred atmosphere provided the perfect setting to hone his skills.
Option Analysis
- A. Kashi Vishwanath Temple is incorrect because this is where his uncle Ali Bux was officially employed to perform, rather than Bismillah's personal favorite practice retreat.
- C. Balaji Temple is mentioned alongside Vishnu Temple, but between the specific standalone choices, option B accurately tracks the primary location list.
- D. Somnath Temple is located in Western India (Gujarat) and is completely out of his geographical path.
Exam Tip
Make a mental list of his favorite spots in Varanasi: the **banks of the Ganga**, the **Balaji Temple**, and the **Vishnu Temple**. Keep this trio clear in your mind for short answers!
The flowing waters of which river inspired Bismillah Khan to improve his music?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The textbook highlights a beautiful relationship between nature and art. The natural flow and musical ripples of the River Ganga provided Bismillah Khan with deep creative inspiration. Sitting alone by the water, he found the artistic freedom to invent completely new ragas that were once considered far beyond the technical capacity of the shehnai.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and D are major rivers across India, but they hold no personal connection to the Varanasi ecosystem that nurtured his musical growth.
Exam Tip
The River **Ganga** is the ultimate symbol of inspiration in this lesson. Always connect the river directly with his ability to **improvise and invent new ragas** on his instrument.
Who was present when Bismillah Khan played the shehnai on 15 August 1947?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
On India's very first Independence Day, Bismillah Khan played a historic recital at the Red Fort. The textbook explicitly notes that he poured his heart out to an audience full of historic figures, including Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, who later that evening gave his unforgettable "Tryst with Destiny" speech to the nation.
Option Analysis
- A. Mahatma Gandhi is incorrect. Although he is mentioned as part of the overall audience in the chapter, the question targets the key leader explicitly linked to the official ceremony and subsequent speech line in the text.
- B. Sardar Patel and D. Subhash Chandra Bose are incorrect distractors not highlighted in this specific musical event.
Exam Tip
Always tie Bismillah Khan’s 1947 performance directly to **Jawaharlal Nehru** and his famous speech. It is a landmark historical connection that examiners love to include on test papers.
The auditorium in Teheran was named after:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Bismillah Khan’s international fame grew so massive that foreign nations built lasting monuments in his honor. In Iran, a prestigious art auditorium in the capital city of Teheran was proudly named Tahar Mosiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan, proving his global cultural impact.
Option Analysis
- A. Ali Bux and B. Ustad Faiyaz Khan are wrong because they were his early mentors within India and did not have international public spaces named after them.
- D. King Zahir Shah is incorrect because he was the monarch of Afghanistan, not Iran.
Exam Tip
Remember the exact foreign name from the text: **Tahar Mosiquee Ustad Bismillah Khan**. Memorizing the link between **Teheran** and this specific title keeps you safe from picking other maestros by mistake.
Which of the following awards was conferred on Bismillah Khan?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Over his long career, Ustad Bismillah Khan collected almost every single top award India has to offer. The textbook explicitly lists that he was honored with the Padma Shri, the Padma Bhushan, and the Padma Vibhushan, before finally capturing the ultimate prize, the Bharat Ratna.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and C are all completely accurate individually, which means option D is the only logical choice to cover his entire list of achievements.
Exam Tip
When you see multiple civilian awards listed alongside an **"All of these"** choice, double-check the textbook list. Since Bismillah Khan won all three tiers of the Padma awards, D is the definitive answer.
Bismillah Khan’s music was appreciated at the Cannes Art Festival in:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The chapter notes that the maestro was a highly sought-after artist at major international cultural events. He traveled to Europe to take part in the prestigious Cannes Art Festival, which takes place annually in France, introducing Western art lovers to the depth of Indian classical music.
Option Analysis
- B, C, and D are incorrect countries. While he traveled widely, the specific city of Cannes is located in France.
Exam Tip
Geographical general knowledge helps here! Connecting the city **Cannes** directly to **France** ensures you won't get tripped up by other European options.
Why did Bismillah Khan refuse to open a shehnai school in the U.S.A.?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
When a wealthy student offered to build a dedicated music academy in America and rebuild the local temples to make him feel at home, Bismillah Khan asked a witty question: "Will you be able to transport River Ganga here as well?" He simply could not imagine living away from the spiritual atmosphere of Banaras and the holy river.
Option Analysis
- A. He did not like teaching is incorrect because he loved sharing music and actively wanted Indian parents to teach their children classical arts.
- B. He disliked foreign countries is incorrect; he traveled and performed globally with great respect.
- D. He was too busy is a generic option that misses his deep emotional attachment to his homeland.
Exam Tip
This story highlights his profound patriotism. Always remember that his love for the **River Ganga** was the primary reason he stayed anchored in India.
Assertion (A): Bismillah Khan was a devout Muslim. Reason (R): He played the shehnai every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The text frames Bismillah Khan’s life as a perfect example of India’s mixed cultural heritage. He was a deeply devout Muslim who kept his daily prayers, yet he saw no contradiction in performing his classical shehnai music every single morning at the Hindu Kashi Vishwanath Temple. His music stood completely above religious boundaries, making the reason a perfect explanation of his unique spirit.
Option Analysis
- B is incorrect because his regular performances inside a Hindu temple beautifully demonstrate how his spiritual dedication crossed traditional religious lines.
- C and D are incorrect because both components are well-documented facts from the text.
Exam Tip
This question highlights the theme of **communal harmony**. Bismillah Khan’s life proves that true art and faith can live together in perfect harmony, passing straight through superficial barriers.
Assertion (A): The shehnai is an indispensable part of North Indian weddings. Reason (R): Its sound is considered auspicious.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
In North Indian culture, a traditional wedding is considered incomplete without the shehnai, making Assertion (A) completely true. The reason behind this status is explicitly stated in the second paragraph: the tones of the instrument are universally believed to be auspicious (bringing good fortune and divine blessings), which directly explains why it is a fixture at weddings.
Option Analysis
- B is incorrect because the traditional belief in the sound being holy and lucky is the direct reason it became a staple at family events.
- C and D are incorrect because both claims match the cultural background outlined in the text.
Exam Tip
Always connect **weddings/temples** with the key vocabulary term **"auspicious"**. This cause-and-effect relationship is a very common focus for short objective questions.
What message did Bismillah Khan give to Indians about music?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Right after receiving the Bharat Ratna in 2001, Ustad Bismillah Khan shared a powerful message with the public. He directly urged: "Teach your children music, this is Hindustan’s richest tradition; even the West is now coming to learn our music." He viewed music as India's ultimate spiritual and cultural treasure.
Option Analysis
- A. Only professionals should learn music is wrong because he wanted it taught universally across every regular household.
- B. Music is only for entertainment is wrong because he viewed it as a deep spiritual practice.
- D. Western music is superior is completely incorrect; he explicitly pointed out that Westerners travel to India to study classical ragas.
Exam Tip
Keep an eye out for his post-Bharat Ratna quote. It highlights his perspective that Indian classical music is a supreme heritage that should be passed down through generations.
In which year did Bismillah Khan pass away?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The concluding paragraph notes the passing of this giant of classical art. Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on 21 August 2006 at the age of ninety after a prolonged illness, bringing a legendary era of Indian classical music to a close.
Option Analysis
- A. 2001 is incorrect because this was the milestone year he captured the Bharat Ratna medal, not the year of his death.
- B and D are incorrect calendar years that do not match his verified biographical timeline.
Exam Tip
Keep these two modern milestones separate: **2001 is his Bharat Ratna year**, and **2006 is the year he passed away**. Remembering them in order avoids simple chronological slip-ups.
The Government of India declared how many days of national mourning after his death?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
To honor the memory of the legendary maestro, the central government granted him a state funeral. The textbook explicitly records that the Government of India declared one day of official national mourning, flying flags at half-mast to respect the country's great musical jewel.
Option Analysis
- A, C, and D are incorrect durations not mentioned in the final lines of the biographical text.
Exam Tip
Look closely at the very last sentence of the chapter to find this fact. The phrase **"one day of national mourning"** is a classic detail that examiners look for to check your reading comprehension.
Which of the following best describes Bismillah Khan’s personality?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Despite capturing the peak awards in music and performing globally, Bismillah Khan maintained a very modest lifestyle. He wore simple traditional clothes, lived without luxury in Varanasi, and remained completely focused on his art. Therefore, simple and devoted is the absolute best character sketch combination for him.
Option Analysis
- A. Proud and arrogant and D. Selfish completely contradict his legendary humility and deep love for his students and country.
- C. Careless is incorrect because his incredible skill required an absolute lifelong standard of discipline and focus.
Exam Tip
Character traits summarize the text's big picture. Bismillah Khan is always presented as a model of **simplicity** in daily life and **absolute devotion** to his musical craft.
The credit for bringing the shehnai to the classical stage goes mainly to:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Before his era, the shehnai was limited to wedding ensembles and royal entrances. The absolute credit for changing its historical status goes to Ustad Bismillah Khan, who pushed the instrument to the forefront by composing independent, classical pieces on it for mainstream concert halls.
Option Analysis
- A. Ali Bux and B. Rasool Bux Khan were foundational family players who kept the music local to temples and regional courts without making the transition to the classical stage.
- D. King Zahir Shah was a foreign listener, not a performer.
Exam Tip
This is the main theme of the biography. The text explicitly states that Bismillah Khan is the single figure responsible for bringing the shehnai onto the **classical music stage**.
Assertion (A): Bismillah Khan’s first foreign performance was highly successful. Reason (R): King Zahir Shah gifted him precious Persian carpets.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Assertion (A) is completely true because his first foreign trip to Afghanistan was a historic triumph. Reason (R) perfectly supports and proves this success by providing the textbook evidence: the Afghan monarch, King Zahir Shah, was so deeply moved by the performance that he presented the maestro with priceless Persian carpets as a token of elite appreciation.
Option Analysis
- B is incorrect because the offering of elite royal gifts is the direct proof that his musical debut abroad was an absolute success.
- C and D are incorrect because both components match the text's description of his visit to Afghanistan.
Exam Tip
To confirm an explanation in an Assertion-Reason question, turn it into a statement: *His trip was a success because the King gave him rare Persian carpets.* Since this follows the exact narrative structure of the text, option A is your answer.
What does the story of the shehnai’s origin show?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The opening transition from the harsh pungi to the sweet shehnai serves as a beautiful lesson in design. It proves that creative innovation can completely revitalize and improve an old tradition. By changing the length, adding finger holes, and refining the acoustics, a discarded noisemaker was transformed into a legendary classical instrument.
Option Analysis
- A. Musical instruments never change is incorrect because the entire first paragraph details a major physical modification.
- C. Kings disliked music is incorrect; the Emperor only banned the *harsh sound* of one specific reed, welcoming the refined shehnai warmly.
- D. Barbers were not talented is completely disproven by the brilliance of the artisan who designed the shehnai.
Exam Tip
Think of this as a conceptual value question. The transformation of the pungi is a classic example of **artistic growth and innovation**, showing how old forms can be elevated into beautiful new designs.
Which quality helped Bismillah Khan master the shehnai?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Bismillah Khan’s path to becoming a maestro was paved with grit. The textbook describes him spending hours in total solitude by the banks of the Ganga and inside local temples. This level of continuous practice and absolute dedication is what allowed him to master the instrument and invent entirely new musical ragas.
Option Analysis
- A. Luck and B. Wealth are incorrect because he grew up in modest circumstances, building his status through raw sweat and discipline rather than chance or money.
- D. Political support is incorrect because his artistic breakthroughs happened long before he received awards from government leaders.
Exam Tip
There are no shortcuts to mastery in this chapter. Whenever you see a question about Bismillah Khan’s rise to fame, look for options that focus on **relentless practice, hard work, and deep dedication**.
Bismillah Khan felt restless when away from:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The maestro explicitly states in the text that whenever he was away from home—whether touring in Mumbai or traveling internationally—his mind remained fixed on his roots. He notes that while in foreign lands, he constantly yearned to see Hindustan, and while in Mumbai, he felt completely restless for Banaras and the holy Ganga.
Option Analysis
- A, B, and D are all major cities he visited for professional commitments, but none of them could provide the spiritual peace that connected him to Varanasi.
Exam Tip
Remember his exact emotional quote: **"While in Mumbai, I think of only Benaras and the holy Ganga."** Linking this line to his sense of homesickness makes picking the right option very simple.
Assertion (A): Bismillah Khan was proud of India’s cultural heritage. Reason (R): He believed music was India’s richest tradition.
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
Bismillah Khan held a deep sense of national pride, making Assertion (A) completely true. The Reason (R) perfectly explains this mindset: he looked at classical arts not as mere entertainment, but as India's richest cultural tradition—a treasure so great that even people from Western countries travel across the world to study it.
Option Analysis
- B is wrong because his view of music as our supreme national treasure is the direct reason why he felt so intensely proud of his Indian identity.
- C and D are incorrect because both claims match his famous statements near the end of the text.
Exam Tip
His pride in Indian heritage is a favorite theme for long analytical questions. Tie **"pride in heritage"** directly to his quote about **"India's richest tradition"** to master this concept.
The shehnai became popular in classical music mainly because of:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
While courts, temples, and movies played a small part in the instrument's timeline, the shehnai’s rise to global classical status was driven entirely by Bismillah Khan’s relentless personal efforts. His deep practice, technical mastery, and creative innovations are what convinced critics to accept it as a mainstream classical instrument.
Option Analysis
- A. Royal support and B. Temple rituals kept the instrument stuck as a narrow, traditional ceremony tool for centuries.
- D. Film industry is incorrect because the maestro quickly stepped away from cinema due to its artificial nature, choosing the pure classical stage instead.
Exam Tip
Look out for questions that ask about the *main driving force* behind the shehnai's modern popularity. The credit belongs entirely to the life and work of **Ustad Bismillah Khan**.
Bismillah Khan’s life is an example of:
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The chapter notes that Bismillah Khan's life stands as a beautiful monument to India's mixed heritage. As a devout Muslim who played every morning at the Kashi Vishwanath Hindu temple, he perfectly represented cultural and communal harmony, while his near-century spent practicing showed absolute artistic dedication.
Option Analysis
- A. Wealth and luxury and D. Modern lifestyle are completely wrong because he famously chose to live a very simple, traditional, down-to-earth life in Varanasi.
- C. Political success is incorrect because he was a pure classical musician, completely removed from state politics.
Exam Tip
The phrase **"cultural harmony"** (or composite culture) is a core theme in the textbook's final summary paragraph. Keep this concept handy for value-based long answers!
What is the main theme of the chapter?
✅ Correct Answer
Concept Explanation
The ultimate goal of this biographical text is to chart the journey of a true Indian legend. The central theme focuses squarely on the inspiring life history, lifelong practice, deep devotion, and national achievements of Ustad Bismillah Khan, showing students how simple effort can elevate a traditional art form onto the world stage.
Option Analysis
- A. The history of Mughal emperors is a minor background detail used only to explain the pungi ban in the opening paragraph.
- B. The invention of musical instruments is too broad and generic for a specific biographical text.
- D. The importance of film music is incorrect because the maestro actively avoided commercial cinema.
Exam Tip
To identify the main theme, look at what occupies 90% of the text. Since the narrative traces his timeline from a five-year-old singing in Dumraon to winning the Bharat Ratna, option C is the comprehensive choice.
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SEBA Class 9 English The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan Important MCQs – Complete Chapter Guide | Assam Eduverse
“The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan” is a powerful and culturally rich chapter from the SEBA Class 9 English syllabus that introduces students to one of India’s greatest musical legends. As Part II of “The Sound of Music,” this lesson not only carries academic importance but also provides deep insights into Indian heritage and classical traditions.
The chapter focuses on Bismillah Khan’s journey from a small town in Bihar to becoming an internationally recognized shehnai maestro. His dedication to music, respect for tradition, and strong connection to his roots are key aspects that students must understand thoroughly. These elements are frequently tested in exams through both objective and descriptive questions.
Practicing seba class 9 the shehnai of bismillah khan mcqs helps students grasp important facts such as his early life, achievements, performances, and contribution to Indian music. These MCQs are designed to improve accuracy and ensure that students can quickly recall important details during the exam.
Regular practice of class 9 seba english important mcqs is essential, especially under the latest exam pattern where objective questions carry significant marks. Strong preparation in MCQs not only boosts confidence but also helps students secure a high score in less time.
Students should also focus on seba class 9 english the shehnai of bismillah khan objective questions to understand the chapter deeply. Questions are often based on his contribution to bringing the shehnai to the classical stage, his performances at historical events, and his love for Benaras.
To strengthen preparation further, learners can explore Assam Board syllabus details to stay aligned with the latest guidelines. Practicing from Assam Board MCQ collections also helps in improving exam readiness across subjects.
For a complete understanding of both parts of the chapter, students should also refer back to The Sound of Music question answers, which covers both Evelyn Glennie and Bismillah Khan in a structured manner.
Overall, this chapter is not just important for scoring marks but also for understanding the value of dedication, culture, and passion. With consistent revision, proper MCQ practice, and conceptual clarity, students can confidently tackle any question from this chapter and perform exceptionally well in their SEBA Class 9 English examination.
Frequently Asked Questions – The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan (SEBA Class 9 English)
1. Who was Bismillah Khan and why is he important?
Bismillah Khan was a legendary Indian musician who popularized the shehnai as a classical instrument and represented Indian music at national and international levels.
2. What is the main theme of The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan?
The chapter highlights dedication, love for music, respect for tradition, and the importance of cultural heritage through the life of Bismillah Khan.
3. Why is The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan important for SEBA Class 9 exams?
This chapter is important because it includes factual details, achievements, and concept-based questions that are frequently asked in both MCQs and descriptive sections.
4. How can I prepare The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan effectively for exams?
Students should focus on understanding key events of his life, practicing MCQs, revising important points, and linking concepts with the overall theme of the chapter.
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