UPSC Prelims 2019 Q16: Art & Culture – Music
- (a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
- (b) Tansen composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses.
- (c) Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
- (d) Tansen invented many Ragas.
Answer: (a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
Explanation
Mian Tansen: What Is NOT Correct
| Option | Claim | Verdict | Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| (a) | 'Tansen' title given by Akbar | NOT CORRECT | The title 'Tansen' was given by Raja Ramachandra of Rewa/Bandhavgarh (Vikramaditya Singh) - Tansen's earlier patron - BEFORE he joined Akbar's court. Akbar gave him the title 'Mian' and made him one of the Navaratnas. |
| (b) | Composed Dhrupads on Hindu gods and goddesses | CORRECT | Tansen composed Dhrupads on Ganesha, Shiva, Vishnu, Ram etc. |
| (c) | Composed songs on his patrons | CORRECT | He composed pieces praising Raja Ramachandra and Emperor Akbar. |
| (d) | Invented many Ragas | CORRECT | Attributed with Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, Darbari Kanada, Miyan ki Sarang among others. |
The statement that is NOT correct is (a) - Akbar gave him 'Mian', not 'Tansen'. Answer: (a).
Answer: (a) Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. Choice (as the NOT-correct statement). The title 'Tansen' predates Akbar - it was given by Raja Ramachandra of Rewa. Akbar's title for him was 'Mian'.
- (b) Incorrect. This is a correct statement about Tansen (so it is NOT the answer).
- (c) Incorrect. This is a correct statement about Tansen (so it is NOT the answer).
- (d) Incorrect. This is a correct statement about Tansen (so it is NOT the answer).
Key point
Tansen title = Raja Ramachandra of Rewa (pre-Akbar). Akbar's title for him = 'Mian'. He composed Dhrupads on Hindu deities and on patrons, and is credited with inventing Miyan ki Malhar, Darbari Kanada etc.
Remember
The title 'Tansen' was given by Raja Ramachandra of Rewa (Bandhavgarh) BEFORE he joined Akbar's court. Akbar bestowed the title 'Mian' on him. So the statement that Akbar gave him 'Tansen' is NOT correct.
Common mistakes
- Assuming every honorific of a Navaratna came from Akbar. Some pre-existed his court.
- Confusing Tansen (Hindustani Dhrupad master) with Amir Khusrau (Qawwali/Khayal precursor, Delhi Sultanate era).
- Forgetting that Tansen's guru was Swami Haridas of Vrindavan.
Exam tip
Tansen fast facts: Born Ramtanu Pandey; disciple of Swami Haridas; patron Raja Ramachandra of Rewa; joined Akbar's court c. 1562 as one of Navaratnas; buried in Gwalior. Ragas: Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Todi, Darbari Kanada, Miyan ki Sarang.
Sources
- NCERT Class 11 - An Introduction to Indian Art (Music tradition)
- Abul Fazl - Ain-i-Akbari (Navaratna descriptions)