Which famous Indian musician played shehnai and received Bharat Ratna in the year 2001?
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Understanding the Question: Indian Musicians and Bharat Ratna
The question asks about a famous Indian musician known for playing the shehnai and who was awarded the Bharat Ratna, India's highest civilian award, in the year 2001.
Analyzing the Options for Shehnai Player and Bharat Ratna Awardee
Let's examine each option to determine which musician fits the description:
- Pandit Ravi Shankar: He was a world-renowned sitar virtuoso. He received the Bharat Ratna in 1999, not 2001. While a legendary musician, his instrument was the sitar, not the shehnai, and the year of award was different.
- Pandit Shivkumar Sharma: He was a celebrated master of the santoor. His primary instrument was the santoor, not the shehnai.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain: He is a globally recognized tabla player. His expertise lies in percussion instruments, specifically the tabla.
- Ustad Bismillah Khan: He was a maestro of the shehnai. He is credited with popularizing the shehnai globally. He was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 2001. This matches both the instrument (shehnai) and the year of the award (2001).
Identifying the Correct Musician
Based on the analysis of the options, Ustad Bismillah Khan is the musician who played the shehnai and was conferred with the Bharat Ratna in 2001. His contribution to Indian classical music and his mastery over the shehnai are widely recognized.
Detailed Explanation of Why Other Options are Incorrect
- Pandit Ravi Shankar: Famous Sitar player, Bharat Ratna in 1999.
- Pandit Shivkumar Sharma: Famous Santoor player.
- Ustad Zakir Hussain: Famous Tabla player.
- Ustad Bismillah Khan: Famous Shehnai player, Bharat Ratna in 2001.
Therefore, Ustad Bismillah Khan is the only musician among the given options who satisfies both conditions mentioned in the question.
| Musician Name | Primary Instrument | Bharat Ratna Year (if applicable) | Fits Question Criteria? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pandit Ravi Shankar | Sitar | 1999 | No (Instrument & Year mismatch) |
| Pandit Shivkumar Sharma | Santoor | Not applicable | No (Instrument mismatch) |
| Ustad Zakir Hussain | Tabla | Not applicable | No (Instrument mismatch) |
| Ustad Bismillah Khan | Shehnai | 2001 | Yes (Instrument & Year match) |
Revision Table: Famous Indian Musicians and Awards
| Musician | Instrument | Notable Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Ustad Bismillah Khan | Shehnai | Bharat Ratna (2001), Padma Vibhushan (1980), Padma Bhushan (1968), Padma Shri (1961), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1956) |
| Pandit Ravi Shankar | Sitar | Bharat Ratna (1999), Grammy Awards, Polar Music Prize, numerous others |
| Pandit Shivkumar Sharma | Santoor | Padma Vibhushan (2001), Padma Shri (1991), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1986) |
| Ustad Zakir Hussain | Tabla | Padma Vibhushan (2023), Padma Bhushan (2002), Padma Shri (1988), Grammy Awards |
Additional Information on Indian Classical Music and Awards
- The shehnai is a wind instrument, a double reed oboe, common in North India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. It is often associated with auspicious occasions like weddings and temples.
- Ustad Bismillah Khan played the shehnai at significant historical events, including India's first Independence Day celebration at the Red Fort in 1947.
- The Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of the Republic of India. Instituted in 1954, it is awarded "for the highest degree of service of a special order" without distinction of race, occupation, position, or sex.
- Other musicians who have received the Bharat Ratna include M. S. Subbulakshmi (1998), Lata Mangeshkar (2001), Pandit Bhimsen Joshi (2008), and Bhupen Hazarika (2019).
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