Tansen baghel (Tan Sen baghel, Ramtanu) | |
|---|---|
![Tansen of Gwalior, a Mughal painting (1585-90)[1]](/mt/?noimg=&dark=on&url=https%3a%2f%2fsimple.wikipedia.org%2fwiki%2fFile%3aTansen_of_Gwalior._(11.8x6.7cm)_Mughal._1585-90._National_Museum%2c_New_Delhi..jpg) Tansen of Gwalior, a Mughal painting (1585-90)[1] | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ramtanu baghel |
| Born | 26 April 1506 Behat, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh |
| Died | 26 April 1586 (aged 86) Agra[2] |
| Genres | Hindustani Classical Music |
| Occupation(s) | musician, instrumentalist, vocalist, music studies |
| Years active | Till 1562: Raja Ramchandra Singh,Rewa (princely state) After 1562: EmperorAkbar |
Tansen (c. 1500 – 26 April 1586), also known to asTan Sen orRamtanu, was a well known person ofNorth Indian (Hindustani)classical music. He was born in a Hindu family in the historic city of Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh (The city known for its rich music heritage). He learned and perfected and mastered his art in the Gwalior region of modernMadhya Pradesh under Swami Haridas. Tansen was the title given to him by Raja Vikramjit of Gwalior. He rose to fame and spent most of his adult life in thecourt andpatronage of the Hindu king of Bandhavgarh (Rewa), Raja Ramchandra Singh (r.1555–1592). He became famous for his musical abilities and studies.[3]Mughal EmperorAkbar sent messengers to Raja Ramchandra Singh , requesting Tansen to join the musicians at the Mughal court. In 1562, about the age of 60, theVaishnava[4] musician Tansen joined theAkbar court.
Tansen was acomposer,musician andvocalist. He has beenattributed for large number of compositions in northern regions of theIndian subcontinent. He was also aninstrumentalist who made musical instruments better and popular.Akbar considered him as aNavaratnas (nine jewels). He gave him the title Mian in his honor, meaning learned man.[5]
There are many legends about Tansen in Akbar court historian accounts andgharana literature.[5] One of them says that he could bring down the rains withRagaMegh Malhar. It is also said that he could light lamps by performing Raga Deepak.[6][7] Other legends talk about his ability to communicate with animals through his music. Once, a white elephant was captured, but it was wild and could not be controlled. Finally, Tansen sang to the elephant who calmed down and the emperor was able to ride him.[8]