GSEB Class 12 Gujarati Textbook Solutions Chapter 6 બિસ્મિલ્લાખા

બિસ્મિલ્લાખા સ્વાધ્યાય

1. Answer the following questions in one sentence.

Question 1. What hobby did Bismillah Khan have besides playing the shehnai?
Answer: Besides playing the shehnai, Bismillah Khan also enjoyed crafting his own shehnai; moreover, he loved playing the harmonium and singing.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan enjoyed making his own shehnai, playing the harmonium, and singing, apart from playing the shehnai.

Exam Tip: Focus on stating the specific hobbies clearly.

Question 2. Which arts and skills did Bismillah Khan master?
Answer: He had expertise in playing different ragas and raginis on the shehnai, as well as operating the harmonium.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan was skilled at playing various shehnai tunes and also knew how to play the harmonium.

Exam Tip: List the specific musical skills Bismillah Khan possessed.

Question 3. What three lessons did Bismillah Khan's uncle give him?
Answer: "Never tell lies, maintain your well-being, and safeguard your reputation." His uncle gave Bismillah Khan these three important instructions.
In simple words: His uncle taught him three things: never lie, stay healthy, and protect his good name.

Exam Tip: Remember the three specific life lessons imparted by his uncle.

Question 4. Who were Bismillah Khan's gurus?
Answer: He acquired shehnai skills from his maternal uncle. He learned the harmonium from Laxman Prasad and vocal music and melodic structures from Ahmed Hussain Khan.
In simple words: He learned shehnai from his uncle, harmonium from Laxman Prasad, and singing with ragas from Ahmed Hussain Khan.

Exam Tip: Distinguish between his shehnai guru and his gurus for harmonium and singing.

2. Answer the following questions briefly in three to four sentences.

Question 1. Why did Bismillah Khan's uncle beat him severely when he was a child? What advice did he give afterwards?
Answer: When Bismillah Khan was two and a half years old, his mother passed away. Consequently, he grew up at his uncle's residence. Upon reaching six or seven years of age, he was enrolled in school, but he possessed no interest in academic pursuits. His mind frequently hummed with melodies. When asked questions in class, he could not provide answers. Due to complaints from other students, his teacher severely beat him. He then ran home and refused to attend school. However, because of his uncle's insistence and persuasion, he was sent to school every day. Instead of attending school, he would often wander around the village. One day, a boy came home to learn the reason for his many absences, and his secret was revealed. When he returned home that evening, his uncle beat him severely for not attending school and for lying, then emphatically instructed him: "Never tell lies, maintain your well-being, and safeguard your reputation."
In simple words: When Bismillah Khan was young, he did not like school and would wander off. His teacher and uncle beat him for not studying and for lying. His uncle then told him to always speak the truth, stay healthy, and keep his honor.

Exam Tip: Provide context for why he was punished, explain the events leading to it, and state the exact advice given.

Question 2. What lesson about 'sur' (melody) from his uncle did Bismillah Khan recall emotionally?
Answer: Bismillah Khan had been trying to learn the shehnai since he was five years old. On one occasion, his uncle called him over and said, "If you want to perform, play in tune. Play something that sounds pleasant to the ears and that people would desire to hear repeatedly." He would also state, "If you wish to truly grasp melody, speak truthfully." His uncle frequently corrected Bismillah Khan, remarking, "You lose the tune and roam around; you don't enter the melody." His uncle gave him such profound advice that he cherished for his entire life.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan's uncle taught him to play in tune, making music sound sweet so people want to listen again. He also said, "To truly understand melody, be honest." His uncle's advice about staying in tune and being truthful stuck with him.

Exam Tip: Highlight the specific advice about 'sur' and its deeper meaning, and explain why it was memorable.

3. Answer the following questions in detail.

Question 1. What are some of the memorable incidents in Bismillah Khan's life according to him?
Answer: There are certain events in Bismillah Khan's life that he can never forget throughout his existence. When he played the shehnai, his uncle would never praise him, instead constantly correcting him. He himself felt that he played quite skillfully. However, one day, while the author was playing 'Tilak Kamod,' his uncle began playing the same raga from another room. Hearing this, Bismillah Khan's ego dissipated. In another instance, his uncle's group was known as "Alibal & Party." A shehnai competition was organized somewhere. Since his uncle was ill, Bismillah Khan approached him. When he bowed to touch his uncle's feet, his uncle looked up at the sky, remembered God, and stroked his back. At that moment, Bismillah Khan felt as if his uncle's spirit had entered him. He triumphed in this competition, thus realizing his uncle's immense power. The final incident, which remains unforgettable, is his uncle's passing. His uncle had been perfectly healthy until the very end. Suddenly, at four in the afternoon, his health rapidly declined. Bismillah Khan was seated right beside him. At two in the morning, they awoke him. His uncle still appeared quite well. He began speaking while gazing at the sky. Then, he suddenly called Bismillah Khan close, hugged him tightly, and showered him with great affection. Afterwards, he said, "Go, be content." At seven in the morning, his uncle departed. Bismillah Khan firmly believes that his current widespread fame is a result of his uncle's last blessings.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan remembers three key events: First, when his uncle's superior playing of Tilak Kamod humbled him. Second, winning a shehnai competition after his uncle's blessing, feeling his uncle's power enter him. Third, his uncle's death, where his uncle's last embrace and blessings became the source of his lifelong fame.

Exam Tip: Structure your answer by listing each memorable incident separately, describing the event, and its impact on Bismillah Khan.

Question 2. Prepare a note about Bismillah Khan's birth, upbringing, and childhood based on the lesson.
Answer: When Bismillah Khan was two and a half years old, his mother passed away. Consequently, he was raised at his maternal uncle's home. His father, grandfather, maternal grandfather, and uncles all played the shehnai. Therefore, he commenced playing the shehnai at the tender age of five. Upon reaching six or seven years of age, he was enrolled in school, but he possessed no interest in academics. His mind was consistently humming with melodies. When questions were posed in class, he could not provide correct responses. Due to persistent complaints from other boys, his teacher severely punished him. He then fled home and refused to attend school. However, because of his uncle's persistent insistence and considerable pressure, he was sent to school daily. Nevertheless, instead of attending school, he would frequently wander around the village. One day, a boy visited his home to inquire about his prolonged absence, and the truth was uncovered. When he returned home that evening, his uncle beat him severely for his truancy and for lying, then emphatically advised him: "Never tell lies, maintain your well-being, and safeguard your reputation."
In simple words: Bismillah Khan grew up at his uncle's house after his mother died when he was two and a half. Since his whole family played shehnai, he started learning at five. He didn't like school and would skip to wander around, often humming songs. Because he didn't study and sometimes lied, his uncle beat him and taught him three important life lessons: never lie, stay healthy, and protect his honor.

Exam Tip: Discuss his early family environment, his introduction to music, his schooling experiences, and the key lessons learned during childhood.

Question 3. It can be said that Bismillah Khan inherited music.
Answer: By making the shehnai, a simple instrument, renowned worldwide with its melodies, Bismillah Khan’s father, grandfather, maternal grandfather, and uncles all played the shehnai. They held permanent positions in various royal courts. Because of this, the home environment was constantly filled with music and performances. Thus, he inherited these cultural values from birth. From the age of five, he began performing the shehnai. His uncle advised Bismillah Khan, "If you wish to perform, play in tune, play something that sounds pleasant to the ears." He would also state, "If you desire to truly grasp melody, be truthful." From that moment, Bismillah Khan began to play in tune. Bismillah Khan primarily learned to play the shehnai from his uncle. He strongly believes that his success stemmed from his uncle's final blessings. Therefore, he also inherited the training for playing shehnai melodies, different ragas, and their rigorous practice.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan's whole family played the shehnai for kings, so he grew up in a musical house. He started playing shehnai at five. His uncle taught him to play in tune and be truthful to master melody. He believed his uncle's last blessings brought him success, showing music was truly his inheritance, from melodies to practicing different ragas.

Exam Tip: Detail his family's musical background, how he was introduced to music at a young age, and the significant role his uncle played in shaping his musical journey.

બિસ્મિલ્લાખા પ્રશ્નોત્તર

1. Answer the following questions in one sentence (1 Mark)

Question 1. State the genre of the lesson 'Bismillah Khan'.
Answer: The lesson 'Bismillah Khan' is an interview-essay.
In simple words: This lesson about Bismillah Khan is a type of written interview.

Exam Tip: Identify the literary form of the given text.

Question 2. Who wrote the lesson 'Bismillah Khan'?
Answer: The lesson 'Bismillah Khan' was written by Labhuben Mehta.
In simple words: Labhuben Mehta wrote the lesson 'Bismillah Khan'.

Exam Tip: Remember the author's name for this lesson.

Question 3. From which book is the lesson 'Bismillah Khan' taken?
Answer: The lesson 'Bismillah Khan' is taken from the book 'Kala Ane Kalakar' (Art and Artist).
In simple words: The lesson 'Bismillah Khan' comes from a book called 'Art and Artist'.

Exam Tip: Know the source book of the lesson.

Question 4. "God values work, not skin (color/appearance)." Who says this sentence?
Answer: "God values work, not skin," this sentence is spoken by the author's uncle, Alibal.
In simple words: The author's uncle, Alibal, says that God cares more about what you do than how you look.

Exam Tip: Identify the speaker of important quotes from the lesson.

Question 5. "Raga, cooking, and turban, sometimes they just happen." In what context is this phrase used?
Answer: It's not always possible for everything to turn out perfectly. Bismillah Khan believed that the outcome also largely depends on one's mood.
In simple words: This means that not everything always goes as planned. Bismillah Khan believed that things depend a lot on your current feeling or mood.

Exam Tip: Understand the meaning of cultural sayings and Bismillah Khan's perspective on them.

2. Choose the correct option from the given alternatives for each of the following questions and write the answer (1 Mark)

Question 1. State the genre of the lesson 'Bismillah Khan'.
(a) Novel-fragment
(b) Interview-essay
(c) Biographical essay
(d) Short story
Answer: (b) Interview-essay
In simple words: The lesson about Bismillah Khan is a type of written interview.

Exam Tip: Classify the literary form of the lesson.

Question 2. Who is the translator of the lesson 'Bismillah Khan'?
(a) Mrudulaben Mehta
(b) Kundnika Kapadia
(c) Labhuben Mehta
(d) Bharti Dave
Answer: (c) Labhuben Mehta
In simple words: The translator of this lesson about Bismillah Khan is Labhuben Mehta.

Exam Tip: Remember the translator's name for this lesson.

Question 3. Besides shehnai, what other hobby did Bismillah Khan have?
(a) Flute - Veena
(b) Harmonium
(c) Harmonium - Tabla
(d) Sitar
Answer: (b) Harmonium
In simple words: Besides playing the shehnai, Bismillah Khan also liked playing the harmonium.

Exam Tip: Recall all musical instruments Bismillah Khan was associated with.

Question 4. "God values work, not skin." Who says this sentence?
(a) Bismillah Khan
(b) Alibaksh
(c) Labhuben
(d) Jamnaben
Answer: (b) Alibaksh
In simple words: Alibaksh is the one who says that God cares more about what you do than how you look.

Exam Tip: Accurately identify the speaker of significant quotes in the text.

Question 5. From which book is the lesson 'Bismillah Khan' taken?
(a) Manata
(b) Biji Thodik
(c) Satya Na Prayogo
(d) Kala Ane Kalakar
Answer: (d) Kala Ane Kalakar
In simple words: The lesson 'Bismillah Khan' is taken from a book titled 'Art and Artist'.

Exam Tip: Know the source publication for the lesson.

Question 6. "If you want to grasp melody, be truthful." Who says this statement and to whom?
(a) Author's maternal grandfather - Author
(b) Alibaksh - Maternal uncle
(c) Alibaksh - Bismillah Khan
(d) Bismillah Khan - Paternal uncle
Answer: (c) Alibaksh - Bismillah Khan
In simple words: Alibaksh tells Bismillah Khan that to truly master music, one must be honest.

Exam Tip: Identify both the speaker and the listener of key dialogues.

Question 7. "Here, take your full amount and 11 rupees cash from my side." Who says this sentence and to whom?
(a) Bismillah Khan - A brother
(b) Bismillah Khan - Maternal uncle
(c) Bismillah Khan - Beggar
(d) Bismillah Khan - Father
Answer: (a) Bismillah Khan - A brother
In simple words: Bismillah Khan says this to a brother, giving him his full money plus 11 rupees extra.

Exam Tip: Note down interactions where Bismillah Khan shows generosity or receives blessings.

બિસ્મિલ્લાખા (Grammar)

1. Rewrite the following sentences by adding the correct suffix:

Question 1. બિસ્મિલ્લાખાં પરિવાર મુંબઈ રહેતો હતો.
Answer: Bismillah Khan's family resided in Mumbai.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan's family lived in Mumbai.

Exam Tip: Pay attention to correct grammatical suffixes in sentences.

Question 2. લેખક શરણાઈ વગાડવાની સ્પર્ધા ભાગ લીધો હતો.
Answer: The author participated in the shehnai playing competition.
In simple words: The author took part in the shehnai playing competition.

Exam Tip: Ensure proper use of case markers (suffixes) when constructing sentences.

Question 3. બિસ્મિલ્લાખાં પરીક્ષા પ્રથમ આવવું છે.
Answer: Bismillah Khan desires to come first in the examination.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan wants to finish first in the exam.

Exam Tip: Correctly apply suffixes to express desire or intention.

Question 4. આકાશ ગરમી સેરો વરસાદ વરસતી હતી.
Answer: From the sky, streaks of heat were falling as rainfall.
In simple words: Hot streaks from the sky were falling like rain.

Exam Tip: Choose appropriate prepositions and word forms to describe natural phenomena.

Question 5. મંદિર પાળ પક્ષી રળિયામણું લાગે છે.
Answer: The temple wall appears charming due to the birds.
In simple words: Birds make the temple wall look lovely.

Exam Tip: Use the correct suffixes to show association or possession.

2. Rewrite the following sentences by correcting the incorrect conjunction used:

Question 1. શરણાઈના અલગ-અલગ સૂર કારણે તાલીમ લીધી.
Answer: He received training in playing various shehnai tunes and practice.
In simple words: He got training for different shehnai tunes and for practicing them.

Exam Tip: Identify and correct misplaced or misused conjunctions to ensure sentence coherence.

Question 2. બિસ્મિલ્લાખાને શરણાઈ તેથી હામોનિયમ વગાડવાનો શોખ છે.
Answer: Bismillah Khan has a hobby of playing both the shehnai and the harmonium.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan enjoys playing the shehnai and also the harmonium.

Exam Tip: Use appropriate coordinating conjunctions to connect related hobbies.

Question 3. બિસ્મિલ્લાખાને શરણાઈ વાદનને અને વિશ્વમાં પ્રસિદ્ધિ મેળવી.
Answer: Bismillah Khan gained global recognition because of his shehnai playing.
In simple words: Bismillah Khan became famous around the world because he played the shehnai so well.

Exam Tip: Select causal conjunctions carefully to express cause and effect correctly.

3. Choose the correct option from the given alternatives for each of the following questions and write the answer:

1. Give the meaning of the following compound words:

Question 1. સરાણિયો
(a) Water stream
(b) One who sharpens on a whetstone
(c) One who attains a prestigious position
(d) One who sells a whetstone
Answer: (b) One who sharpens on a whetstone
In simple words: 'Saraniyo' means a person who sharpens tools on a stone.

Exam Tip: Understand the specific meaning of compound words in context.

Question 2. રિયાઝ.
(a) Practice of musical notes
(b) Practice of Veena notes
(c) Practice of book reading
(d) Practice of archery
Answer: (a) Practice of musical notes
In simple words: 'Riyaaz' refers to the regular practice of musical sounds or notes.

Exam Tip: Know the exact meaning of musical terms.

2. Give synonyms for the following words:

Question 1. સુપ્રતિષ્ઠિત
(a) Infamous
(b) Famous
(c) Authority
(d) Politician
Answer: (b) Famous
In simple words: A synonym for 'well-reputed' is 'famous'.

Exam Tip: Expand your vocabulary by learning synonyms for common words.

Question 2. ફિરસ્તો
(a) Beggar
(b) Hermit
(c) Angel
(d) Worldly person
Answer: (c) Angel
In simple words: A synonym for 'firasto' is 'angel'.

Exam Tip: Understand the meaning of foreign or less common words.

3. Find the antonyms for the following words:

Question 1. મુશ્કેલ
(a) Easy
(b) Less
(c) Loose
(d) Light
Answer: (a) Easy
In simple words: The opposite of 'difficult' is 'easy'.

Exam Tip: Practice identifying antonyms to improve vocabulary.

Question 2. દુવા
(a) Blessing
(b) Curse
(c) Advice
(d) Teaching
Answer: (b) Curse
In simple words: The opposite of a 'blessing' is a 'curse'.

Exam Tip: Differentiate between synonyms and antonyms carefully.

4. Find the word with incorrect spelling from the following:

Question 1.
(a) ઓઝાર
(b) શિખામણ
(c) નિર્દોષ
(d) બુદ્ધિ
Answer: (a) ઓઝાર
In simple words: The word 'ઓઝાર' is spelled incorrectly; it should be 'ઓજાર'.

Exam Tip: Pay close attention to spelling rules and common errors in Gujarati.

Bismillah Khan: Lesson Introduction

Labhuben Mehta, renowned as a skilled translator, has compiled her translations of interviews with artists dedicated to various arts globally into 'Kala Ane Kalakar' (Art and Artist) Part 1-2.

In this present lesson, the writer presents an interview with Bismillah Khan, who made the shehnai, a simple Indian instrument, world-famous through its melodies across the globe, in her distinctive style. This written interview serves as an important document regarding the shehnai within Indian classical music.

An inspiring overview of his entire life is obtained through this interview.

Labhuben became known as a skilled translator. Her translations of interviews with artists from various arts have been gathered in 'Kala and Kalakar' Part 1-2.

In this lesson, the writer has shown the meeting with the artist Bismillah Khan who helped the simple Indian musical instrument, the Shehnai, become famous globally by playing on Shehnai.

This text about the shehnai's classical music is an important document in Indian classical music. We receive an inspiring overview of his entire life from this account.

Bismillah Khan: Glossary (Meanings)

• સુપ્રતિષ્ઠિત – મશહૂર; reputed.
• કાર્યક્રમ (પુ) – સમયપત્રક; programme.
• મુલાકાત (સ્ત્રી.) – મેળાપ; interview.
• અવસર (પુ) – મોકો; occasion.
• ખુદાપરસ્તી – ઈશ્વરપ્રેમ; love god.
• ગદ્ગદ – ભાવુક; emotional.
• મોજ (સ્ત્રી.) – આનંદ; joy.
• વાર્તાલાપ (પુ) -ચર્ચા; discussion.
• વંશ (પુ) – કુળ; pedigree.
• પરંપરા (સ્ત્રી) – રિવાજ; tradition.
• બજાવવું – વગાડવું; sound.
• નિશ્ચિત – નક્કી; decided.
• રિયાસત – રજવાડું; kingdom.
• કોશિશ (સ્ત્રી.) – પ્રયાસ; try.
• ચિત્ત (નપું) – મન; mind.
• ભટકવું – રખડવું; to wander.
• જૂઠ (નપું) – અસત્ય; ie.
• સીખ (સ્ત્રી.) – શિખામણ; admonition.
• ઈજ્જત (સ્ત્રી.) – આબરૂ; reputation
• સ્વગત – મનોમન; addressed to one self.
• રિયાઝ (પુ) – મહાવરો; rehears.
• ગભરાટ (પુ) – ભય; fright.
• તાકાત (સ્ત્રી.) – શક્તિ; strength.
• પદ્ધતિ – ઢબ; method, mode.
• ફિરસ્તો – દેવદૂત; angel.
• દુવા (સ્ત્રી.) – આશિષ; blessing.
• ઇબાદત (સ્ત્રી.) -પ્રાર્થના; prayer.
• તરબોળ – લાગણીવશ; emotion.
• મોજ (સ્ત્રી.) – ખુશી; pleasure.
• રાજી – પ્રસન્ન; willing, cheerful.
• માલિક – ખુદા; god.
• પ્રશંસા (સ્ત્રી.) – વખાણ; appreciation.
• ટોકવું – સૂચન કરવું; to find faults.
• ટીકા (સ્ત્રી.) – નિંદા; criticise.
• ઉત્તમ – શ્રેષ્ઠ; best.
• મદ (પુ) – અભિમાન; pride.
• હરીફાઈ (સ્ત્રી.) – સ્પર્ધા; competition.
• ખુશબો (સ્ત્રી.) – સુગંધ; fragrance.
• વિશિષ્ટતા (સ્ત્રી) – ખાસિયત; specialty, characteristic.
• સાજ – સાધન, (અહીં) શરણાઈ; musical instrument.
• ઓજાર (નપું) – હથિયાર; tool.
• સરાણિયો – સરાણ પર ધાર કાઢનાર; one who sharpens edged tools.