Miyan Tansen: History, Music, and Legend
by Prachi and Prisha Avaiya
Miyan Tansen, born in Gwalior, India, was given the name Ramtanu Panday. He learned his art in Vrindavan, under his Guru, Swami Haridas, perfecting it, eventually landing in Akbar’s court. Tansen began his musical career, serving as the court musician in Raja Ramchandra Singh Baghela of Rewa’s court.
Soon, Tansen’s name became famous. Akbar invited him to Agra in 1562 and made him one of the Navaratnas, or Nine Gems, of his court. This officially titled Tansen as ‘Miyan’ Tansen, ‘Miyan’ meaning a learned and respected man, which he lived up to.
Miyan Tansen was honored with the title Sangeet Samrat, “Emperor of Music.” Miyan Tansen started singing in the early 16th Century, but didn't officially join Akbar's court until 1562. Tansen was mainly taught by Swami Haridas in Vrindavan. Tansen, along with singing, also played the Rabab, a musical instrument with strings that are picked to play a sound, and the Rudhra Veena.
Miyan Tansen is traditionally credited with creating and performing several unique ragas. These ragas included Raga Darbari Kanada, a late night raga, Raga Miyan Ki Malhar, a monsoon season raga, Raga Miyan Ki Todi, a morning raga in Hindustani Classical Music, and Raga Miyan ki Sarang, a melodious afternoon raga. Some traditions also Raga Ragweshwari to Miyan Tansen, as well.
Miyan Tansen is known most famously for performing the Dhrupad style of music. This style has strict spiritual discipline, with a meditative tempo. It includes command of devotion, nature, and the court. This style was inspired by the training Tansen had with Swami Haridas.
According to historical folklore, Miyan Tansen’s performances were so powerful, powerful enough to cause fires and rain. His interpretation of Raga Deepak was the one claimed to start fires and his Raga Miyan Ki Malhar was thought to have invoked rain in the court when played by Tansen. When Tansen played Raga Deepak, he caused lamps to light automatically, and the water nearby to start boiling. Historical folklore claimed that Tansen would have died, if it wasn’t for his daughter, who played Raga Miyan Ki Malhar simultaneously, which brought torrential downpour.
