Kamat's Potpourri: Music Maestro Tansen

Music Legend Tansen

First Online: June 16, 2001
Page Last Updated: August 20, 2024

Miyah Tansen was born in Gwalior (in today's Madhya Pradesh). Before Akbar the great summoned him to be a musician in his durbar, Tansen was under the prince of Rewa, who also befriended him. It is said the prince was heartbroken to part with the services of Tansen in his royal court.

The Moghul Emperor Akbar was a great patron of art and music and what is now known as the Hindustani classical music flourished in his patronage, with Tansen leading a grand array of accomplished musicians. In Indian society and culture, Tansen has since remained a magical, legend as the most melodious singer and instrumentalist.

Tansen is buried in Gwalior, near his mentor Hazrat Ghaus. Near Tansen's tomb is a tamarind tree, said to be as old as the tomb itself. The legend goes that students of music who chew the leaves of the tree in faith will be blessed with miraculous musical gifts.