Tansen Biography, Musical Legacy and Master of Dhrupad

Context: Recently, the Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a plea requesting permission to conduct religious and cultural activities at the tomb of Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus, which also houses the grave of music legend Tansen in Gwalior.

About Tansen

Who was Tansen?

• Tansen was a legendary Indian classical musician, composer, and vocalist.
• Also a skilled instrumentalist, known for popularising and refining the plucked rabab, a Central Asian instrument.

Early Patronage

• Initially served Daulat Khan, son of Sher Shah Suri.
• Later became the court singer of King Ramchandra of Bandhavgarh.

Mughal Association

• Invited to the court of Emperor Akbar and became one of his Navaratnas (nine jewels).
• Akbar honoured him with the title “Mian“, meaning a learned or respected man.

Musical Legacy

• Credited with creating or popularizing several ragas, including:
  • Miyan ki Malhar
  • Miyan ki Todi
  • Darbari Kanada
  • Renowned for his Dhrupad compositions, a form of classical vocal music.

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