8. Tansen

Introduction: This is the story of Tansen, the greatest musician India has ever known. It tells about his childhood, his musical training under Swami Haridas, and how he saved himself from a dangerous plot by jealous courtiers.

Summary

Tansen was the only child of a singer named Mukandan Misra. He was very naughty and could imitate the calls of birds and animals perfectly. Once, he frightened a group of travellers by roaring like a tiger. Swami Haridas, who was in the group, recognized his talent and took him as a disciple.

Tansen learnt music for eleven years and became a great singer. He married Hussaini. Later, he joined Emperor Akbar's court and became one of the nine jewels (Navaratnas).

Some jealous courtiers plotted to kill him. They forced him to sing Raga Deepak, which creates fire and burns the singer to ashes. Tansen taught his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh, which brings rain.

When the lamps lit up due to Raga Deepak, the girls started singing Raga Megh. The rain came down and saved Tansen's life. He lived to a ripe old age and composed many new ragas.

Moral: Wisdom and presence of mind can save us from danger.

Character Sketch

Tansen: A gifted musician, devoted student, and intelligent man. He faced challenges with courage and wisdom.
Swami Haridas: A great music teacher who spotted Tansen's talent.
Akbar: The great emperor who loved music and admired Tansen.
Shaukat Mian: A jealous courtier who plotted against Tansen.

Word Meanings

Imitate: Copy.
Disciple: Student / Follower.
Devoted: Loyal and loving.
Ruined: Destroyed.
Downcast: Sad and depressed.
Ashes: The grey powder left after something has burnt.
Rejoiced: Felt happy.

Question 1:

Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was ‘talented’?

Ans: Tansen could imitate the calls of birds and animals perfectly. He roared like a tiger and frightened Swami Haridas's disciples. Impressed by this skill, Swami Haridas called him talented.

Question 2:

Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?

Ans: Tansen had become a famous musician. Once he sang before Emperor Akbar. Akbar was so impressed by his music that he asked Tansen to join his court.

Question 3:

How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen? Give two reasons.

Ans:

Akbar would call upon Tansen to sing at any time during the day or night.
He would often walk into Tansen’s house to hear him practise. He also gave him many presents.

Question 4:

What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?

Ans: The other courtiers were jealous of Tansen. They said, "We shall never be able to rest till Tansen is ruined."

Question 5:

What happens if Raga Deepak is sung properly? Why did Tansen’s enemies want him to sing the Raga?

Ans: If Raga Deepak is sung properly, it makes the air so hot that the singer is burnt to ashes. Tansen's enemies wanted him to sing it so that he would die and they would get rid of him.

Question 6:

How did Tansen save himself?

Ans: Tansen knew that Raga Megh could bring rain and save him from the fire. He taught his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh. When the fire started, the girls sang, rain came down, and Tansen was saved.

Grammar Rules: Subject and Predicate

1. Sentence Parts

Every sentence has two parts:

2. Subject

The part which names the person or thing we are speaking about.

3. Predicate

The part which tells something about the Subject.

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