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

Bismillah Khan's grandfather was Rasool Bux Khan, a renowned shehnai player. He belonged to a family with a strong musical tradition. Ali Bux was Bismillah Khan's maternal uncle and teacher, not his grandfather. Exam tip: In biographical questions, remember names along with the person’s relationship to the main character.

Bismillah Khan began visiting Banaras at a very young age to stay with and learn from his maternal uncle, Ali Bux. In Banaras, he practised the shehnai and developed into a great musician. Lucknow and Allahabad are important cultural cities, but the chapter specifically links his early musical training with Banaras. Exam tip: Remember Banaras as the city most closely associated with Bismillah Khan’s musical journey.

Bismillah Khan did not treat music merely as a profession or entertainment; for him, it was devotion. He devoted his life to practising and serving music through the shehnai, so ‘Devotion’ is the best answer. ‘A source of entertainment’ may describe a general use of music, but it does not reflect his deep commitment. Exam tip: In personality-based questions, focus on the person’s attitude towards their life’s work.

He was deeply attached to India, Banaras, and the Ganga. In patriotism questions, identify attachment.

The governing cultural concept is the traditional auspicious status of the shehnai. Before Bismillah Khan elevated it to the classical concert stage, the instrument was commonly associated with ceremonies connected with happiness, blessing, and good fortune. It was played at weddings, temples, and other important occasions, so its sound was regarded as शुभ, or auspicious. Option A is therefore correct. The word “frightening” is inconsistent with its ceremonial use, while “useless” ignores the instrument’s social and musical importance. “Bitter” describes neither a sound nor the cultural belief presented in the chapter. The answer depends on recognizing the shehnai’s traditional association with celebration and sacred occasions.

His art gave worldwide recognition to the shehnai. In impact-based questions, choose the instrument's name.

Both had love and dedication for music. In combined questions, look for the common message.

Both stories show the power of music and dedication. In theme-based questions, choose the broader lesson.

The teacher is important because good guidance can open a new path when an ordinary method seems impossible. Evelyn Glennie gradually lost her hearing, but she did not give up music. Ron Forbes understood her difficulty and helped her discover that sound could also be experienced through vibrations in different parts of the body. His approach changed the way she learned and gave her confidence to continue. Thus, the teacher did not stop her; he helped her find another way to learn.

Option A is correct because it directly expresses this guidance and creative method. Forbes encouraged Evelyn to listen with her body rather than depend only on her ears. This support helped her develop into a successful percussionist. The other options are opposite to the events: he neither stopped her, hid music from her, nor ended her practice. The lesson therefore presents teaching as patient guidance that reveals ability even in difficult circumstances.

Ali Bux, Bismillah Khan’s maternal uncle, was a shehnai player and taught him to play the instrument. This shows that a teacher’s guidance laid the foundation of Bismillah Khan’s musical career. The option about learning without training is incorrect because he received proper instruction from his guru. Exam tip: Remember Ali Bux’s name and his role as Bismillah Khan’s teacher.

Despite her hearing impairment, Evelyn Glennie did not give up learning music and became a world-famous percussionist through persistent practice. Therefore, determination is the quality most clearly seen in her struggle. Courage is also part of her character, but determination is more precise because she continued working towards her goal despite the obstacle. Exam tip: In character-trait questions, focus on the character’s repeated actions and choices.

Bismillah Khan's life shows dedication to music. In value-based questions, choose the positive quality.

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

He remained connected to his land and culture. In patriotism questions, look for attachment and loyalty.

Her story shows that talent grows with opportunity and belief. In such questions, choose positive thinking.

His practice and art gave the shehnai a high place. In reason questions, identify effort and art.

Despite hearing disability, Evelyn succeeded in music. Read contrast-based questions carefully.

Banaras was linked with his practice, music, and feelings. In place-based questions, notice both name and importance.

She turned weakness into strength through effort and a new method. In short questions, identify the main value.

He gave the shehnai the place of a respected classical instrument. In contribution questions, choose the correct form.