Thread by @anbezhil12

Until today I was under the belief that #Tansen was a Hindu! That little is my awareness of Indian History🤦🏽
Tansen was born in a Hindu family at Gwalior in present day MP as #Ramtanu His father Mukund Mishra, was a famous poet and a wealthy person. As a child Tansen could mimic

birds and animals perfectly. It is said that he used to scare many priests and commoners passing through the forests by imitating wild animals like tigers and lions. Legend has it that Tansen was once imitating a tiger when he was spotted by #SwamiHaridas a legendary saint and

musician cum poet. Swami Haridas recognized Tansen’s skills and accepted him as his disciple. He began his musical journey at a young age under Swami Haridas. He studied music under him for the next 10 years. Since Haridas was an exponent of the Dhrupad style of singing, Tansen

developed an interest towards Dhrupad. It is said that Tansen learnt everything that he could learn from his master. Legend has it that Tansen, after completing his education, had no equal in the field of music apart from his guru. He was working as a singer in the court of King

Ram Chand of Rewa State. His musical skills were such that, stories of his talent and greatness spread all over. Soon, Akbar came to know about this incredible musician and the great emperor couldn’t help but summon Tansen in his court. Soon after, Tansen became Akbar’s favorite

singer and counted among the Navaratnas (Nine extraordinary people with different skill sets) in the emperor’s court. It is also said that Akbar presented him with one lakh gold coins upon his first performance in the emperor’s court. His admiration for Tansen is well documented.

It is even said that other musicians and ministers were jealous of Tansen, for he was Akbar’s favorite servant. Tansen was honored with the prefix #Miyan from Emperor Akbar and from that day onwards he came to be known as #MiyanTansen. It is said that Tansen was depressed after

the death of his father. He became withdrawn from the outside world and would spend time by singing at a Shiva temple. During this difficult phase, Muhammad Ghaus, a Sufi mystic is said to have had a calming effect on him. It is he who influenced Tansen to convert to Islam. It is

also claimed that Muhammad Ghaus had doubled up as Tansen’s music teacher for a long time, a claim which is debatable even today. Another version is that he married one of Akbar’s daughters. Meherunnissa is said to have fallen in love with Tansen and that was one of the reasons

why Tansen was invited to Akbar’s court. It is also claimed that Tansen converted to Islam just the night before his wedding with Akbar’s daughter, Meherunnissa.
We have heard about his other miracles, his ability to bring rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar. It is said that Tansen

used this particular raga soon after the usage of Raga Deepak. That is because Raga Megh Malhar would cool things down as Raga Deepak would enhance the temperature of the surroundings. Tansen’s compositions were usually complex and couldn’t be understood by ordinary musicians.

Later in his life, he started composing songs to eulogize Emperor Akbar and other kings.
Though it is said that Tansen passed away in the year 1586, there are no clear references about the cause of his death. A few legends have it that he was consumed by the flames that he

created himself while experimenting with Raga Deepak. However, there are no proofs backing this claim. His mortal remains were buried in Gwalior next to the tomb of Muhammad Ghaus, his Sufi master. It is also said that there is a tamarind tree that has grown over his tomb. The

person who chews the leaves of this magical tree is said to gain musical knowledge and a good voice, conducive for singing. All of Tansen’s 5 children went on to become great classical singers. Also, a music festival called Tansen Samaroh is held each year in Gwalior in December.

The festival is held near his tomb, attracts thousands of musicians & aspiring singers from all over the country. Tansen Samman is an award that is given away by the government of India to outstanding exponents of Hindustani classical music.
Sarvam Sri Krishnarpanam