INDIAN SCIENTIFIC MUSIC
EASWARAN ANANTRAM
THE LEGEND
OF TANSEN
Tansen is a combination of two words – Tan – fast phrases in music & Sen – King or Warrior . This was a title bestowed on Raja Vikramjit Singh of Gwalior . He was a phenomenal vocalist and a genius of a composer .
Once , as he was called to the court of Emperor Akbar , the “ Jahanpanah ” asked him to sing a Raga called the Deepak Raga . Tansen stood perplexed in the court unable to refuse the Emperor . He knew one thing for sure Deepak Raag is a powerful raga that heats up the air . The notes of the ragas are heavy with even more emphasis on the serious ones
He asked for time , around a week ’ s time to prepare for the performance . The Emperor was curious and agreed to this request , as he eagerly yet patiently waited for the day to come . Tansen was lost in the practice of this Raga and preparing himself for the fateful performance . The Raga if sung in full force , was said to even burn the singer to ashes .
The evening of performance arrived . Tansen muttered up his courage and proceeded towards the court where he was greeted by the townsfolk and the nobles alike – in absolute silence . So much so , that Tansen could hear his own heart pound in fear .
He takes his space , calming himself down by performing a raga familiar to him . The sun had long set , but the enthusiasm of the people was resolute . The Emperor said , “ Please proceed to the Raga of the Day , all of us are eager to watch you sing this incredible Raga ”. Tansen was silent for a bit . He then replied “ Jahanpanah , please ensure all the lamps are turn off , the air is going to get pretty hot in sometime . If these precautions are not taken , the Palace may catch fire ”. As instructed , all lamps were turned off . Pitch Darkness and Pin drop Silence , something which would generally instil fear in one ’ s heart ; but , as soon as Tansen started singing , people felt the warmth of the early morning sun .
His powerful rendition of each note kept turning up the heat and with every phrase he sang people started feeling the pinch of the increasing temperature . Tansen was now visibly uncomfortable ! The phrases were becoming faster and making the atmosphere even more unstable , slowly from the reminiscent smoke from the flames of the lamps that were turned off , one lamp becomes on again ! Tansen had his eyes closed , totally oblivious to what just happened , people were visibly feeling the heat as the Emperor removed his jacket to get more comfortable . All lamps start going on , and all the lamps in the Durbar were now lit . Tansen kept going on , till he had to stop . The heat in his body was killing him , the acidity , the boiling fluids in his body wouldn ’ t let him go further . The murmuring in the court stopped as the Great Tansen ran outside to grab a pot full of water . He gulped it down whole ! But his body didn ’ t seem to calm down . That ’ s when he requests the Emperor as he pants , “ Please allow my Daughter Saraswati to come and sing for me !!! only she can relieve me of this torment ”
Saraswati came running to her father ’ s rescue as she started with Raag Miyan ki Malhar , Tansen ’ s creation for rain . Just minutes into her rendition and the people of the Durbar could sense petrichor and subsequently , the rains came pouring in as Tansen also joined his daughter in the rendition which had calmed and soothed his body in an instance .
This , is the legend of the power of Ragas . The next session will continue with Ragas on the Varsha Rutu . This story served as a nice prequel to the same ! Happy Reading !!
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