Mian Tansen (1520-1589)

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One of the legendary figures in the history of Indian Classical Music, Tansen was the court musician in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Almost every Gharana try to trace their origin to Tansen, though some try to go further back to Amir Khusro himself. But, it is likely that Tansen and his guru Swami Haridas really started Drupad style of singing.

Tansen was born near Gwalior to Mukund Mishra, a poet, in 1520. He was interested in music from an early age and leanrned under Swami Haridas of Brindaban and later under Mohammed Ghaus.

Tansen served as the court musician to King Ramachandra of Mewa and then later to Emperor Akbar as one of the Navarathas (nine jewels). Stories and legends about Tansen's musical powers abound, including the ones which say how he was able to create rain by singing rag Megh or light a lamp by singing rag Deepak. He was given the title Mian by emperor akbar and usually Tansen is referred thus.

Tansen is credited with creating many ragas like Mian-ki-Malhar and Darbari Kanhra. He also composed several hundred drupad bandishes.

There is some controversy regarding conversion of Tansen to Islam. Some beleive he was converted to Islam while some others think that out of great respect Akbar had for Tansen, he left him alone.

Tansen's son Bilas Khan, became a famous musician himself and created the Raga Bilaskhani Todi. Saraswati Devi, the daughter became a famous dhrupad singer.