Overcoming physical disabilities (Evelyn Glennie) and the life of Shehnai maestro Ustad Bismillah Khan

Evelyn could not hear but still learned music. In exams, remember her courage and hard work.

Evelyn felt sound through vibrations in her body. The idea of experiencing music is very important in this chapter.

Ron Forbes taught Evelyn to understand music through vibrations. Remember names by linking them with their roles.

Ustad Bismillah Khan was a renowned shehnai maestro. Through his exceptional performances, he gave the shehnai wide recognition in Indian classical music. Tabla is a percussion instrument, while the sitar and flute are different string and wind instruments. Exam tip: Remember Bismillah Khan with the shehnai.

Evelyn became a world-famous percussionist. Remember her profession as a key fact of the lesson.

Bismillah Khan was born in Dumraon. In place-based questions, remember the birthplace separately.

Evelyn's hearing problem was noticed in childhood. Age-related facts often appear in easy questions.

Bismillah Khan learnt to play the shehnai from his maternal uncle, Ali Bux. Ali Bux was a noted shehnai player associated with the Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi and trained Khan in music. Ron Forbes was Evelyn Glennie's teacher, not Bismillah Khan's. Exam tip: Learn the correct artist–teacher pairs from this chapter.

Evelyn did not give up and became a great musician. In message-based questions, choose the positive lesson.

The shehnai was traditionally considered an auspicious instrument, so it was commonly played in temples and at weddings. Although music was also performed in royal courts, the shehnai was especially associated with temples and marriage ceremonies. Exam tip: In the lesson on Bismillah Khan, remember the shehnai as an instrument linked with auspicious occasions.

Evelyn joined the Royal Academy of Music. Link the institution's name with her musical career.

He gave the shehnai respect in classical music. In easy questions, identify the contribution clearly.

Doctors advised a special school but Evelyn chose a different path. Remember the fact along with her struggle.

Evelyn did not let weakness become a barrier. In value-based questions, notice struggle and success.

Bismillah Khan had a deep emotional connection with Banaras. The city was not merely a place where he lived or worked; it was closely tied to his musical growth, memories, and identity. He also loved the Ganga and the cultural atmosphere around it. These attachments explain why Banaras remained especially important to him, even when he received opportunities to live or perform elsewhere.

Option A is correct because it expresses this strong affection. The other choices reverse or deny the facts: he did not hate Banaras, he had certainly been there, and he did not simply forget it. In the lesson, his relationship with Banaras shows how an artist’s music can be connected with a particular place, its traditions, and the feelings built through a lifetime of practice.

Determination helped Evelyn move ahead despite difficulty. In quality-based questions, identify the key character trait.

Ustad Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at Delhi’s Red Fort on 15 August 1947, marking India’s Independence. Therefore, the Red Fort is correct. India Gate is a national monument, but it was not the venue for this historic performance. Exam tip: link Bismillah Khan with the Red Fort and 15 August 1947.

Evelyn's success inspired many people. In inspiration-based questions, look at the wider impact.

He did not like the idea of settling in America because he was attached to Banaras and India. Remember the clue of patriotism.

Evelyn showed that disability cannot stop success. In misconception questions, identify the false belief.