The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan (Question & Answer)
Question and Answer Q. Who banned the playing of the pungi ? Ans- Emperor Aurangzeb banned the playing of the pungi, for it had a shrill unpleasant sound. Q. What generic name did the pungi come to acquire ? Ans- The pungi became the generic name for reeded noisemakers. Q. Who revived the pungi ? Ans- A barber of a family of professional musicians revived the tonal quality of the pungi. Q. Where was the shehnai played for the first time ? Ans- The shehnai was played in the Shah's chambers for the first time. Q. Who played the instrument for the first time so different from the pungi ? Ans- A nai (barber) played the instrument for the first time so different from the pungi. Q. What is naubat called ? Ans - The naubat is called the traditional ensemble of nine instruments found at royal courts. Q. Who brought the instrument shehnai on the classical stage ? Ans- Ustad Bismillah Khan brought the instrument shehnai on the classical stage. Q. Which sport did Bismillah Khan play in his