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Tansen

Fast Facts

Date of Birth: 1506

Place of Birth: Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh

Birth Name: Ramtanu

Date of Death: 1586

Place of Death: Agra

Profession: Vocalist, music composer, instrumentalist

Spouse: Husseini

Children: Hamirsen, Suratsen, Tanras Khan, Saraswati Devi and Bilas Khan

Father: Mukund Mishra

Awards: The title ‘Miyan’ was conferred upon him by Akbar

Considered as the greatest musician in India, Tansen is credited with the creation of the classical music that dominates the north of India (Hindustani classical music). Tansen was a vocalist and instrumentalist who created many ragas. He was initially the court singer of King Ram Chand of Rewa State. It is said that Emperor Akbar made him into his own musician after learning about his extraordinary musical skills. He went on to become one of the Navaratnas (Nine Gems) in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The life of Tansen is associated with many legends. Some of the most common ones are his ability to create rain and fire by just using his musical skills. Whatever the legends may be, there is no denying the fact that he was the greatest among all musicians this country has ever produced.

Childhood

Tansen was born into a Hindu family at Gwalior in present day Madhya Pradesh. His father, Mukund Mishra, was a famous poet and a wealthy person. Tansen was named Ramtanu at the time of his birth. As a child, Tansen could mimic birds and animals perfectly. It is said that he used to scare many priests and commoners passing through the forests by imitating wild animals like tigers and lions. Legend has it that Tansen was once imitating a tiger when he was spotted by Swami Haridas, a legendary saint and musician cum poet. Swami Haridas recognized Tansen’s skills and accepted him as his disciple.

Education

Tansen began his musical journey at a young age when he was chosen as a disciple by Swami Haridas. He studied music under him for the next ten years of his life. Since Haridas was an exponent of the Dhrupad style of singing, Tansen developed an interest towards Dhrupad. It is said that Tansen learnt everything that he could learn from his master. Legend has it that Tansen, after completing his education, had no equal in the field of music apart from his guru.