Mughal Era Music

Choose the Correct Answer

Correct Answer : Option c

Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: A great musician of his time, Tansen served in the court of Raja Ram Chand of Baghelkhand (1555-1592 C.E.). He was born in a Brahmin family of Gwalior. He was the disciple of the great musician, Haridas. Due to his musical merits he was called by Emperor Akbar to his court. Tansen’s merit in the field of music is recorded in the historical writings in the following words,” A Kalawant by the name of Tansen- who was the leader of his time in the science of music, and who is stated to have had no equal either in regard to his melodious voice or his delicate compositions- was in his (Raja) court. The Raja greatly appreciated his merits and was very fond of him. When Emperor Akbar heard about Tansen’s accomplishments, he summoned Tansen to his presence. When Tansen arrived, the Emperor, on the first day, presented him with two Krors of dams, equal to two lacs of current rupees, and became enamoured of his performance.” It is also recorded in Tuzuk-i Jahangiri that Sufi Shaikh Salim Chishti of Fatehpur Sikri expressed his last wish at the time of his death to hear Tansen singing. As Jahangir records, “He (the Sufi) sent someone to the king (Akbar) to call Tansen Kalawant who was unequalled as a singer.” Tansen is considered to be the composer of Dhrupad form of music.

Statement 2 is correct: Amir Khusrau, also nicknamed as ‘Tutiye Hind’ (parrot of India), was born in Patiali, district Etah, Uttar Pradesh. He is known for his literary contributions as well as patriotism. He learned different forms of music such as Arabic, Persian and Indian music. He wrote about Indian music that, “Indian music, the fire that burns heart and soul, is superior to the music of any other country.” By mixing up the Arabic and Persian music in Indian music he added grace to it. He is known to have invented many of the ragas (melodies) for instance the invention of Qawwali and Tarana, famous musical melodies are attributed to Amir Khusrau.