The Shehnai of Bismillah Khan
Bismillah Khan and the Shehnai’s Journey Emperor Aurangzeb banned the musical instrument “pungi” due to its harsh sound. However, a barber, belonging to a family of musicians, transformed the pungi into a melodious instrument by using a broader pipe with seven holes. Played in the Shah’s chambers by a barber (nai), it was named “shehnai”. …