Ustad Qamruddin "Bismillah" Khan (21 March 1916 – 21 August 2006) (born as Qamaruddin Khan), often referred to by the title Ustad, was an Indian musician credited with popularizing the shehnai, a subcontinental wind instrument of the oboe class. While the shehnai had long held importance as a folk instrument played primarily [schooled] in traditional ceremonies, Khan is credited with elevating its status and bringing it to the concert stage.

Birth name Qamruddin Khan

Born21 March 1916
Dumraon, Buxar District, Bihar Province,British India

Died21 August 2006(aged 90)
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India

GenresIndian classical music

Occupation(s)Musician

InstrumentsShehnai

He was awarded India's highest civilian honour, the Bharat Ratna, in 2001, becoming the third classical musician after M. S. Subbalakshmi and Ravi Shankar to be awarded Bharat Ratna. On his 102nd birthday, Google honored Bismillah Khan with a Google doodle...



THANK YOU...:)

Life of Bismillah Khan

Bismillah Khan, born on March 21, 1916, in Dumraon, Bihar, was an eminent Indian musician and a renowned maestro of the shehnai. He hailed from a family of traditional musicians and was introduced to music at a very young age. Bismillah Khan's father, Paigambar Baksh Khan, was a shehnai player at the court of the princely state of Dumraon. It was under his guidance that Bismillah Khan began his musical training.

Early Life and Training

Growing up in a musical household, Bismillah Khan was exposed to the melodies of the shehnai from an early age. He started learning the instrument at the tender age of six and quickly displayed exceptional talent and a deep passion for music. He received training in both the classical Hindustani music tradition and the traditional Benares gharana style. Bismillah Khan's dedication and commitment to his craft led him to become a proficient shehnai player at a very young age.

Recognition and Achievements

Bismillah Khan's exceptional talent soon garnered him recognition within the music community. He made his first public performance at the age of 14 and went on to become a prominent figure in Indian classical music. His mesmerizing performances on the shehnai captivated audiences worldwide. Bismillah Khan was also known for his collaborations with notable musicians, including Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Vilayat Khan.

Contribution to Indian Music

Bismillah Khan played a vital role in popularizing the shehnai, an instrument traditionally played in weddings and temples, and elevated it to the status of a classical music instrument. His innovative approach and mastery of the shehnai brought unprecedented recognition to the instrument. Bismillah Khan's contributions to Indian music were not limited to performing; he also composed music for films and worked on various projects to promote traditional Indian music.

Legacy

Bismillah Khan's impact on Indian music and culture continues to resonate even after his passing in 2006. He received numerous accolades and awards, including the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in 2001. Bismillah Khan's legacy lives on through his recordings and the inspiration he instilled in future generations of musicians. He remains an icon of Indian classical music and a symbol of the rich cultural heritage of the country.

In conclusion, Bismillah Khan's life was a testament to his passion and dedication to music. Through his extraordinary talent on the shehnai, he not only popularized the instrument but also left an indelible mark on Indian classical music. His contributions and achievements continue to inspire and enrich the cultural landscape of India.