Tansen, the greatest musician our country has
produced ,was born to a singer called
Mukandan Misra and his wife in Gwalior .
Naughty but talented, he imitated the calls of
birds and animals perfectly.
Once ………….. He tried to frighten a
group of musicians roaring like a tiger .
Swami Haridas, the leader, noted the talent of
Tansen and took him to court. He taught him
music and Tansen became a well known
singer.
He grew up and soon became a famous
singer. Years passed by .He married Hussaini
a singer. They had five children. One day
King Akbar heard Tansen singing and took
him to court.
King Akbar was very impressed with
Tansen . He gave him costly presents . This
made other courtiers jealous . They made
plans to get rid of him.
“ Make him sing Raga Deepak” they told the
Emperor. Tansen could not refuse Akbar’s
orders . But he knew if he sings Raga Deepak
it could burn him to ashes .
Tansen taught his daughter Saraswathi and her
friends Rupavati to sing Raga Megh. Raga
Megh would bring rain and put out the fire
caused by Raga Deepak .
Tansen started singing Raga Deepak . It
became very hot. Soon things went on fire. At
that time the two girls began to sing Raga
Megh. It rained heavily and put out the fire.
Thus Tansen was saved.
Akbar felt sad when he saw the suffering of
Tansen . He punished Tansen’s enemies . He
made Tansen his Court Singer . Tansen died
in 1585 . His tomb in Gwalior is a place of
pilgrimage for musicians.
1. Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was talented?
Imitated the cries of birds and animals perfectly
2.Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
He was impressed by his singing .
3)How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen?
a)
A)visited him often b) gave him costly gifts
4)What did the courtiers feel about Tansen?
jealous.
5)What will happen if Raga Deepak is sung
properly? Why did Tansen’s enemies want him
to sing the Raga?
(i) Things will go on fire
(ii) Kill him
6)Why did Tansen agree to sing the Raga
Deepak?
Afraid to disobey the emperor
7.What steps did he take to save himself ?Did
his plans work?
(i) taught the two girls Raga Megh
(ii) yes. It started to rain when things started
burning