When Bismillah Khan played the shehnai, it was not just music—it was India itself singing. The togetherness of a nation, the dedication of the Ganga, and the soul of Banaras were all conveyed in each note. On his birth anniversary, we remember the Bharat Ratna maestro whose legacy turned the shehnai into India’s voice and a GI-tagged heritage.
The country takes a moment each year to honor Ustad Bismillah Khan, often referred to as the “Sultan of Shehnai,” on the anniversary of his birth. Khan, who was born in Dumraon, Bihar, on March 21, 1916, devoted his life to bringing the shehnai—once limited to bridal processions and temples—to the highest levels of Indian classical music.
Honored with the Bharat Ratna in 2001, India’s highest civilian award, his contribution not only reshaped the status of the shehnai but also etched Banaras (Varanasi) on the global cultural map. In 2020, the Banarasi shehnai received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, which ties the instrument’s identity to Varanasi, the holy city, for all time. Ustad Bismillah Khan’s commitment to transforming local history into a global legacy is strengthened by this achievement.
Early Life and Musical Journey
Ustad Bismillah Khan came from a musical household. In the princely state of Dumraon, his ancestors were court musicians.His father, Paigambar Khan, was also a shehnai player. As a child growing up in this setting, Bismillah was captivated by the instrument’s tones.
At the age of six, he moved to Varanasi, a city that would become inseparable from his name. He learned the technique from his uncle Ali Baksh “Vilayatu” at the temple of Kashi Vishwanath. The temple ghats and the flowing Ganga became his musical companions, inspiring a sound deeply soaked in spirituality and devotion.
Elevating the Shehnai
Before Ustad Bismillah Khan, the shehnai was rarely considered a serious instrument in classical circles. It was played during weddings, temple rituals, or royal processions but lacked the prestige of sitar, sarod, or tabla.
Khan changed that perception. His sheer mastery brought the shehnai to concert halls, national celebrations, and global festivals. His performance at the historic event of India’s Independence in 1947, when he played the shehnai from the ramparts of the Red Fort, remains etched in national memory. Since then, his music became synonymous with moments of pride, unity, and celebration for the country.
Awards and Recognition
Ustad Bismillah Khan’s musical journey was decorated with numerous awards:
- Bharat Ratna (2001) – India’s highest civilian honor.
- Padma Vibhushan (1980)
- Padma Bhushan (1968)
- Padma Shri (1961)
His greatest honor, however, was the love and respect of millions who witnessed the spiritual depth of his shehnai.
Shehnai and the GI Tag
The Banarasi Shehnai’s 2020 Geographical Indication (GI) Tag emphasized the instrument’s rich Varanasi cultural heritage. A GI Tag indicates that a product has attributes or a reputation because of where it came from.
For Varanasi artisans, this meant global recognition of their centuries-old craftsmanship. For musicians, it was an acknowledgment of the shehnai’s elevated status, a journey largely shaped by Ustad Bismillah Khan.
Just as Banarasi sarees and Banarasi paan enjoy cultural identity, the shehnai now proudly carries the stamp of Varanasi – thanks to its association with the maestro.
The Bharat Ratna Connection
In 2001, Khan became only the third classical musician to win the Bharat Ratna, following M.S. Subbulakshmi and Ravi Shankar. But he was more important than praise. He famously said that the sound of the Ganga and his audience’s cheers were his true prize.
His humility and simplicity remained unmatched. Despite international acclaim, he lived in a modest home in Varanasi’s Sarai Harha area, often refusing offers to settle abroad. To him, Banaras and its ghats were the true source of his music.
Global Recognition
Khan took the shehnai to global platforms. From the Edinburgh Music Festival to concerts in the United States, Canada, and Iran, he introduced international audiences to the soulful sound of the shehnai.
While performing abroad, he always carried a piece of Banaras with him.”I can never leave Banaras,” he once remarked. When I play the shehnai, it is not just music, it is Banaras itself singing through me.”
Shehnai as a Symbol of India
In post-independence India, the shehnai became a cultural emblem, often played during Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations. Much of this symbolism stemmed from Bismillah Khan’s association with the instrument.
To this day, recordings of his shehnai resonate during state ceremonies, reminding the nation of his undying influence.
The Man Beyond the Music
Despite being a global icon, Ustad Bismillah Khan lived simply. He avoided materialism, never sought luxury, and believed music was divine worship. He was deeply secular, performing in temples and participating in Hindu rituals, even while being a devout Muslim.
This unique blend of faiths made him a symbol of India’s pluralistic ethos. In a time when communal tensions often scarred society, Khan’s music united people across religious lines.
Legacy and Influence
Ustad Bismillah Khan passed away on August 21, 2006, but his legacy continues to resonate. His students, family members, and countless admirers keep the shehnai alive, ensuring that his art does not fade with time.
Music schools and cultural institutions in Varanasi continue to honor his memory, teaching young aspirants to carry forward the shehnai tradition.
The Banarasi shehnai’s GI Tag recognition is arguably the most appropriate homage, guaranteeing that his cherished instrument will be recognized throughout the world.
The story of Ustad Bismillah Khan is not just about music. It is about transforming tradition into timeless heritage, about giving voice to an instrument that was once marginalized, and about linking the sound of the shehnai with India’s national identity.
On his birth anniversary, remembering him is not just a tribute to a musician but to an era where art, humility, and devotion came together. The Bharat Ratna he received and the GI Tag recognition for the Banarasi shehnai remain testaments to his extraordinary journey.
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