Questions
1. Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was 'talented ?
2. Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
3. How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen? Give
two reasons.
4. What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?
5. (i) What happens if Raga Deepak is sung properly?
(ii) Why did Tansen's enemies want him to sing the Raga?
6. Why did Tansen agree to sing Raga Deepak?
7. (i) What steps did he take to save himself?
(ii) Did his plan work? How?
Answers
Answer:
1)Tansen, as a child, learnt to imitate the calls of birds and animals. One day he roared like a tiger in the forest. He intended to frighten the travellers. Swami Haridas was impressed by the skill of the boy. So he called Tansen ‘talented’.
2)Tansen learnt music from Swami Haridas for eleven years. He himself became a famous singer. Sometimes he sang before Emperor Akbar. Akbar was so impressed that he asked Tansen to join his court in 1556.
3)Tansen became the favourite of the Emperor. Akbar used to visit Tansen’s house to hear him practise music. He asked Tansen to sing whenever he had the mood. He also gave Tansen many presents.
4)Tansen’s popularity made other courtiers jealous of him. They made up their mind to ruin Tansen somehow.
5)i.= If Raga Deepak was sung properly, the air became so hot that the singer was burnt to ashes.
5)ii.=The courtiers who were Tansen’s enemies, wanted the singer to sing Raga Deepak and die of heat.
6)Tansen agreed to sing Raga Deepak because he dared not disobey the Emperor. Secondly, he wanted to prove his ability.
7)i.=Tansen was a little worried as well as afraid. He took two steps for his safety. He requested the king to give him some time. Next, he taught his daughter and her friend to sing Raga Megh.
7)ii.=Yes, Tansen’s plan worked. His singing made the environment hot. Flames shot up and lighted the lamps. Just then, the two girls started singing Raga Megh. The rains came down suddenly and saved Tansen’s life.