Tansen, whose original name was Ramtanu, was born into a Hindu family in the present-day Gwalior district of Madhya Pradesh, India, in the year 1506.
Early Life of Tansen
Tansen hailed from a prosperous family. His father, Mukund Mishra, was a renowned poet. It is said that Tansen was quite mischievous during his childhood days. He had a knack for imitating animals and frightening the Brahmin priests passing through the forests.
Marital Life of Tansen
Tansen married Husaini Brahmani, a woman of Brahmin lineage. Interestingly, Tansen’s introduction happened through Raja Maan Singh’s widow, Rani Mrignaini, who was a skilled and melodious singer herself. She was deeply impressed by Tansen’s sweet voice and musical talent.
Tansen’s wife, originally named Prem Kumari, hailed from a Brahmin family. However, due to the conversion of her family to Islam, she was given the Islamic name Husaini. Despite this, Tansen’s lineage from a Brahmin family led people to refer to him as “Husaini Brahmani,” and his household came to be known as the Husaini household.
Education of Tansen
Tansen embarked on his musical journey at a very young age. He was mentored by Swami Haridas. Legend has it that when Tansen used to scare people passing through the forest with his animal imitations, Swami Haridas recognized his talent and accepted him as his disciple.
For almost ten years, Tansen received musical training from Swami Haridas, who was proficient in the Dhrupad style of singing. It was under his tutelage that Tansen developed a keen interest in Dhrupad.
Learning from Mohammed Ghous
Although Tansen initially received his musical education from Swami Haridas, after his father’s demise, he fulfilled his father’s last wish by seeking education from Mohammed Ghous. Before doing so, he sought permission from his first guru, Swami Haridas. Tansen studied music under Mohammed Ghous for three years, during which his musical prowess flourished even more.
Mohammed Ghous would often take Tansen to meet the king of Gwalior, and Tansen became a familiar face in the royal court.
It is said that before his death, Mohammed Ghous transferred all his wealth and possessions to Tansen. Following his guru’s demise, Tansen’s entire family moved to Mohammed Ghous’s house.
Inclusion in Akbar’s Court of Navratnas
Tansen was one of the exceptional individuals known as the Navratnas in the court of Emperor Akbar. Before becoming the court musician, Tansen served as a singer in the court of Raja Ramchandra of Rewa.
During this time, Tansen’s musical prowess gained widespread acclaim. His talent reached the ears of Emperor Akbar, who expressed a desire to listen to Tansen’s music. Consequently, Tansen was invited to perform at the imperial court.
Upon hearing Tansen sing for the first time, Emperor Akbar was so captivated that he bestowed upon him a reward of one lakh gold coins and inducted him into the Navratnas, the nine gems of his court.
It is said that Emperor Akbar greatly admired Tansen’s music, which led to Tansen being conferred with the title “Miyan.”
Contribution to Indian Music
Tansen is considered the founding father of Hindustani classical music. He is credited with composing several ragas, including Darbari Kanada, Miyan Ki Malhar, Bhairav, Darbari Todi, Sarang, and Rageshwari.
It is also said that he and his guru laid the foundation for the Dhrupad style of singing. Tansen categorized ragas to simplify their understanding, thus making significant contributions to music.
Death of Tansen
Tansen passed away in the year 1586 in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The exact cause of his death remains unclear. His tomb was built near the tomb of his Sufi mentor, Mohammed Ghous, in Gwalior.
According to some historical sources, Tansen died on April 26, 1586, in Delhi. His final journey was attended by all the courtiers and Emperor Akbar himself.
According to other sources, Tansen’s death occurred on May 6, 1589. Subsequently, he was laid to rest in his hometown of Behat, near Gwalior.
Honors for Tansen
Tansen is honored by the Government of India as one of the eminent contributors to Hindustani classical music. Every December, a Tansen Samaroh is organized near Tansen’s memorial in Gwalior, where the country’s renowned musicians showcase their talent. The event also includes the presentation of the Tansen Award.
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