Chapter 5: Tansen

Questions:

Question 1. Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was ‘talented’?

Answer:Tansen knew how to copy the calls of birds and animals. One day, he roared like a tiger and frightened the travellers. Swami Haridas was impressed by his skills and called him ‘talented’.

Question 2. Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?

Answer:Tansen was a famous singer. Sometimes, he sang before Emperor Akbar. Akbar was very impressed with his singing and asked Tansen to join his court.

Question 3. How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen? Give two reasons.

Answer:Tansen became the favourite of Akbar. He would request Tansen to sing at any time during the day or night. Akbar would walk into Tansen’s house to hear his practice. He gave Tansen many presents.

Question 4. What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?

Answer:The other courtiers were jealous of Tansen’s popularity. They wanted to ruin Tansen and could do anything to achieve this.

Question 5.

1. What happen if Raga Deepak is sung properly?

   Answer:If Raga Deepak is sung properly, it makes the air so hot that the singer is burnt to ashes.

2. Why did Tansen’s enemies want him to sing the Raga?

   Answer:The courtiers were jealous of Tansen’s popularity and wanted to kill him.

Question 6.

1. Why did Tansen agree to sing Raga Deepak?

   Answer:Tansen agreed to sing Raga Deepak because he could not disobey the emperor. He also wanted to prove his potential.

Question 7.

1. What steps did he take to save himself?

   Answer:Tansen took two steps to save his life. He requested the king to give him time to prepare the sing. He taught his daughter and her friend to sing ‘Raga Megh’.

2. Did his plan work? How?

   Answer:Yes, Tansen’s plan worked. When he started singing Raga Deepak, birds fell dead and people cried in terror as flames shot up and lighted the lamps. The two girls started singing Raga Megh and rain came down, saving Tansen’s life.

Are you interested in music? Do you like classical music? Name a few distinguished Indian musicians.

Answer:Do it yourself.