Tansen – Summary
This is the story of the famous Indian musician named, Tansen. He was the only child of singer Mukandan Mishra.They lived in the village Behat near Gwalior. Tansen was a naughty but wise and talented child. One day, in the forest, Swami Haridas found Tansen roaring like a tiger. Then, Tansen started learning music from him. He learnt music for eleven years and became a great singer afterwards. His father’s last wish was to send Tansen to Mohammed Ghaus of Gwalior. There, Tansen got married to Hussaini. Soon after Tansen became a famous Musician.He became the official singer in Emperor Akbar’s court. Being a favourite of Akbar, he was a victim of jealousy of the few courtiers. Courtiers even planned to kill Tansen. Shaukat Mian, a courtier in Akbar’s court requested Akbar to make Tansen sing Raga Deepak.
Tansen knew that Raga Deepak could produce heat around the singer and turn him into ashes and Raga Megh could bring Rain. So, he prepared his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh in the court.
The girls sang Raga Megh when fire spread out near Tansen and lamps were alighted as per the plan. Tansen’s life was saved when drops of rain fell down on him. After this incident Tansen became sick. Akbar punished the courtiers. Tansen recovered from his illness and people rejoiced and celebrated his recovery.Questions and Answers
1. Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was ‘talented’?
A.Swami said so because of his skills to make different sounds.
2. Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
A. Akbar asked Tansen to join his court because he was impressed by his singing.
3. How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen? Give two reasons.
A. Akbar was fond of Tansen because he used to call him for singing in his court very often. Secondly, when his courtiers expressed distrust in his singing, Akbar was full of trust that Tansen could sing anything.
4. What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?
A They felt jealous of him.
5. (i) What happens if Raga Deepak is sung properly?
A. It produces heat which can burn everything.
(ii) Why did Tansen’s enemies want him to sing the Raga?
A.They wanted him to sing Raga Deepak because they didn’t like him and wanted to get rid of him.
6. Why did Tansen agree to sing Raga Deepak?
A. He agreed to sing Raga Deepak because he didn’t want to say no to the Emperor. He didn’t want to displease him. So he agreed to keep his master’s trust.
7. (i) What steps did he take to save himself?
A. He trained his daughter and her friend to sing Raga Megh. He also instructed them to sing the Raag when the lamps would be lit.
(ii) Did his plan work? How?
A. Yes, his plan worked well.The girls started singing just as planned and rain showers came and he was saved.
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