Q. With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

• Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
• Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
• Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
• Tansen invented many Ragas.

Answer: (a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

Mian Tansen

• He was a prominent Indian classical music composer, musician and vocalist, known for a large number of compositions, and also an instrumentalist who popularised and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin).
• He began his career and spent most of his adult life in the court and patronage of the Hinduking of Rewa, Raja Ramchandra Singh (1555–1592), where Tansen’s musical abilities and studies gained widespread fame.
  • This reputation brought him to the attention of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, who sent messengers to Raja Ramchandra Singh, requesting Tansen to join the musicians at the Mughal court.
• He was among the Navaratnas (nine jewels) at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar.
• Akbar gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man.
• Tansen as a historical personality is difficult to extract from the extensive legend that surrounds him.
• Tansen is remembered for his epic Dhrupad compositions, creating several new ragas, as well as for writing two classic books on music Sri Ganesh Stotra and Sangita Sara.
• He is given credit for introducing some famous ragas viz., Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi and Darbari.