Tansen MCQs Quiz | Class 10

This quiz is for Class X, Subject: Hindustani Music Melodic Instruments (Code 035), Unit: Unit 5, focusing on Tansen. It covers his life sketch and significant contributions to music. Test your knowledge by attempting the questions, then submit to see your score and download a detailed answer PDF for revision.

Educational Content: Tansen – The Musical Genius

Mian Tansen, originally named Ramtanu Pandey or Tanna Mishra, was an legendary Hindustani classical musician and composer who holds a pivotal place in the history of Indian music. He was a court musician for the Mughal emperor Akbar, and is revered as one of the ‘Navratnas’ (nine jewels) in Akbar’s court.

Life Sketch

  • Birth and Early Life: Tansen was born in a Hindu family in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, around 1500 AD. His father, Mukund Pandey, was a renowned poet. From a young age, Tansen displayed extraordinary musical talent.
  • Gurus: His early musical training was under the guidance of the legendary guru Swami Haridas, a spiritual poet and classical musician. Swami Haridas taught Tansen the nuances of Dhrupad, one of the oldest forms of Hindustani classical music. Later, Tansen also spent time with Muhammad Ghaus of Gwalior, a Sufi saint, from whom he is believed to have learned much about music and spirituality.
  • Patronage: Tansen first served as a court musician for Raja Ramchandra Singh of Rewa. His fame reached Emperor Akbar, who eventually invited Tansen to join his court in Delhi in 1562. Tansen remained in Akbar’s court until his death in 1586 or 1589.

Contribution to Music

Tansen’s contributions to Hindustani classical music are immense and enduring. He is credited with:

  • Raga Creation: Tansen is believed to have created several new ragas, including some of the most complex and beautiful ones. Notable among these are Miyan Ki Todi, Darbari Kanhra, Miyan Ki Malhar, and Multani. These ragas are still central to Hindustani classical music repertoire.
  • Dhrupad Compositions: He composed hundreds of Dhrupads, combining Sanskrit poetry with intricate musical structures. His compositions significantly enriched the Dhrupad tradition.
  • Instrumental Prowess: Tansen was a master of the Rudra Veena (Bin), an ancient string instrument, and his mastery greatly influenced its development and playing style.
  • Innovations and Style: He refined and popularized the Dhrupad style, introducing new techniques and aesthetics. His unique style, often characterized by intricate melodic patterns and profound emotional depth, greatly influenced subsequent generations of musicians.
  • Legendary Musical Feats: Many legends surround Tansen’s musical powers, such as his ability to bring rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar or to light lamps by singing Raga Deepak. These stories, whether literal or symbolic, highlight the profound impact and reverence Tansen commanded through his music.
  • Legacy: His musical lineage, known as the ‘Miyansen Gharana’, continued through his descendants, preserving and propagating his musical tradition.

Tansen’s genius transformed Hindustani classical music, leaving an indelible mark that resonates even today. He remains an inspirational figure for musicians and music lovers alike.

Key Ragas Attributed to Tansen

Raga Name Characteristics
Miyan Ki Todi A highly emotive and poignant raga, typically sung in the morning.
Darbari Kanhra A majestic and serious raga, often sung late at night, associated with solemnity.
Miyan Ki Malhar A monsoon raga, believed to bring rain, full of profound and deep melodies.
Multani A serene and contemplative raga, usually performed in the late afternoon.

Quick Revision Points

  • Original Name: Ramtanu Pandey (Tanna Mishra)
  • Born: Gwalior, circa 1500 AD
  • Gurus: Swami Haridas (Dhrupad), Muhammad Ghaus (Sufi Mystic)
  • Patronage: Raja Ramchandra Singh of Rewa, Emperor Akbar
  • Key Contributions: Creation of ragas (Miyan Ki Todi, Darbari Kanhra), Dhrupad compositions, mastery of Rudra Veena.
  • Legacy: Miyansen Gharana, profound influence on Hindustani classical music.

Practice Questions

  1. Which Emperor was Tansen a court musician for?

    1. Humayun
    2. Shah Jahan
    3. Akbar
    4. Aurangzeb

    Correct Answer: c) Akbar

  2. Tansen’s musical lineage is known by which name?

    1. Gwalior Gharana
    2. Agra Gharana
    3. Miyansen Gharana
    4. Seniya Gharana

    Correct Answer: c) Miyansen Gharana

  3. Which raga is Tansen famously associated with for its ability to bring rain?

    1. Raga Deepak
    2. Raga Miyan Ki Todi
    3. Raga Megh Malhar
    4. Raga Darbari Kanhra

    Correct Answer: c) Raga Megh Malhar

  4. Before joining Akbar’s court, Tansen was patronized by the king of which region?

    1. Jaipur
    2. Rewa
    3. Udaipur
    4. Delhi Sultanate

    Correct Answer: b) Rewa

  5. What was Tansen’s primary instrument?

    1. Sitar
    2. Tabla
    3. Flute
    4. Rudra Veena

    Correct Answer: d) Rudra Veena