**Biography of Tansen**

Tansen was one of the greatest musicians in Indian history and is considered a towering figure in Hindustani classical music. He lived in the 16th century and was one of the famous *Navaratnas* (nine jewels) of the Mughal Emperor Akbar's court. Tansen's contribution to Indian music was so profound that many musical traditions, ragas, and styles are still associated with him today. His life story is a blend of history, devotion, discipline, and extraordinary talent.Tansen was born around 1500 CE in a village near Gwalior in present-day Madhya Pradesh. His real name is believed to have been Ramtanu or Tannu Mishra. His father, Mukund Pandey, was a poet and musician, and this environment played a significant role in shaping Tansen's early interest in music. From a young age, Tansen possessed exceptional musical talent and was known for his ability to mimic animal sounds and sing with great precision.Recognizing his talent, Tansen was sent for training to **Swami Haridas**, a renowned saint and classical musician of the Bhakti movement. Under Swami Haridas's strict guidance, Tansen received rigorous training in music. He learned discipline, devotion, and the profound spiritual aspects of singing. This training laid the foundation for his mastery of ragas and the Dhrupad style, which later became central to Hindustani classical music.

In his early career, Tansen served as a court musician for **Raja Ramchandra Singh of Rewa**, a powerful king in central India. It was here that Tansen gained recognition for his musical prowess. Stories of his extraordinary performances spread far and wide, eventually reaching the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Impressed by Tansen's fame, Akbar invited him to join his royal court in Agra.Tansen became one of the most respected members of Akbar's court and was bestowed with the title **"Miyan Tansen"**. Akbar was a great admirer of Tansen's music and frequently attended his performances. Unlike many court musicians, Tansen enjoyed great respect and freedom, and his art was valued not only for its entertainment value but also for its emotional and spiritual depth.Many legends are associated with Tansen's musical powers. It is said that he could light lamps by singing the raga **Deepak** and bring rain by singing the raga **Megh Malhar**. While these stories are considered symbolic rather than literally true, they illustrate the emotional power and mastery of his music. His performances were said to have a profound effect on listeners, evoking deep emotions within them.Tansen made lasting contributions to Indian classical music. He created several ragas, including **Miyan ki Todi**, **Miyan ki Malhar**, **Darbari Kanada**, and **Rageshwari**. He also strengthened the **Dhrupad** style of singing, which emphasizes clarity, discipline, and devotion. Many modern gharanas (schools of music) consider Tansen a pivotal figure in their tradition.

Besides his musical achievements, Tansen was also a poet. He composed songs in languages ​​such as Braj Bhasha and Sanskrit. Many of his compositions were devotional, reflecting his spiritual upbringing and his belief in music as a path to connect with the divine.Tansen passed away in 1586 CE. He was buried in Gwalior near the tomb of his guru, Swami Haridas, symbolizing the deep bond between teacher and disciple. His tomb remains an important cultural site today. Every year, a prestigious classical music festival, the **Tansen Samaroh**, is held in Gwalior to honor his legacy. Renowned musicians from across India perform there to pay tribute to him.In conclusion, Tansen was not just a musician but a cultural icon who shaped the course of Indian classical music. His life represents dedication, discipline, and devotion to art. Even centuries after his death, Tansen's music continues to inspire both musicians and listeners, making him one of the most revered figures in India's cultural history.