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

Evelyn's identity is formed by ability, not limitation. In exams understand the change of identity.

The shehnai developed through improvement of the pungi. In exams treat improvement as development, not destruction.

The ban on pungi created the background for improvement. In exams connect restriction with the role of development.

The barber's improvement developed a sweeter form of the pungi. Remember the craftsman's contribution in exams.

Bismillah Khan gave the shehnai wider artistic respect. Add this point while writing the development sequence in exams.

Banaras is linked with his devotion and identity. In exams treat place as an emotional and cultural source.

These places give spiritual and cultural meaning to his practice. In exams write the effect of environment.

Ali Bux connects Bismillah Khan’s individual talent with the wider social heritage of music because he acted as a guru within a continuing tradition. A musical skill is not usually developed in isolation. It is learned through listening, imitation, disciplined practice and personal instruction. Ali Bux passed on knowledge of the shehnai, its techniques and its cultural traditions to the younger Bismillah Khan. In this way, family, community and artistic practice helped preserve and extend inherited knowledge.

Option A is correct because the guru tradition carries music from one generation to the next. The teacher does more than demonstrate notes: he transmits values, habits, style and respect for the art. The other choices are unreasonable. A guru does not end music, merely distribute prizes, or cut the learner off from society. Ali Bux’s role shows that individual greatness can grow from a shared cultural background and can later enrich that same tradition.

The early performance is an initial sign of his talent. In exams connect early achievement with future greatness.

Radio carried his art to more listeners. In exams write the relation between technology and culture.

This performance linked the moment of free India with music. In exams call it a union of history and culture.

He placed his attachment to Banaras and the Ganga above opportunity. In exams write it as a life value.

Bismillah Khan did not value the glamour of the film world above his devotion to classical music. His priority was the dignity of the shehnai, regular riyaaz, and sincere artistic expression; therefore, option A is correct. He did not avoid listeners, as he was celebrated for public performances, so option B is incorrect. Exam tip: In character-based questions, remember his dedication to music and his attachment to Banaras.

Bismillah Khan received the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian honour, yet he remained simple, modest and deeply attached to his music and homeland. This creates a pleasing contrast between public greatness and personal humility. His achievement was extraordinary, but he did not behave as though fame made him superior to others. He continued to value practice, tradition, affection for Benaras and the uncomplicated joy of playing the shehnai. His character shows that honour need not destroy simplicity.

Option A is correct because it captures the balance between great recognition and a simple life. The other choices do not express the relevant contrast. The passage is not mainly about a struggle between music and silence, a combination of foreign places and acting, or practice and laziness. Instead, the award highlights his greatness while his behaviour highlights his humility. Together, these qualities make his personality admirable and memorable.

Bismillah Khan’s shehnai was associated with religious occasions, his deep attachment to Banaras and the Ganga, and performances at national events. Thus, his music represents India’s shared cultural heritage at religious, regional and national levels. The commercial-level option is incorrect because his significance lies in cultural unity, not profit. Exam tip: Use phrases such as “shared heritage” and “cultural unity” in the answer.

Despite her hearing impairment, Evelyn Glennie learned music by sensing vibrations through her body and practised with great determination. Ustad Bismillah Khan likewise attained mastery of the shehnai through years of rigorous riyaaz and deep devotion to music. Thus, their strongest common quality was unwavering dedication supported by continuous practice. Awards and fame were outcomes of their work, not its central purpose. Exam tip: In a comparison answer, highlight perseverance, practice, and devotion to music.

Ron Forbes and Ali Bux shaped the direction of the artists. In exams treat teachers as a constructive force.

Art gives new meaning to limits at both levels. In exams identify personal and cultural limits separately.

Sound changes life and culture in both stories. In exams treat sound as a symbolic force.

The struggle of both artists gives meaning to their art. In exams connect struggle with positive growth.