Biography of Samraat Taansen
India is proud of many her classical vocalists. Sangeet Samraat (Emperor of Music) Taansen is
celebrated as one of the best. His excellent contribution to the enhancement of the ‘Dhrupad’ style of singing is
well known.
There are many legends and fables associated with Taansen rather than any historical verified
documents. However, his fame is as overwhelming now as it was in his life time.
It is generally known that he was born in a place called ‘Behat’ near town of Gwalior. His father’s name
was Mukundrao Pande. Some people say it was Makarand Pande. Makarand Pande was a good singer and
earned a living by narrating and singing verses from ‘Puraan’ (mythological stories). Taansen was born in his
home in the year 1532. His original name is said to be ‘Tannu’, ‘Tanna’, ‘Trilochan’, ‘Tansukh’ or ‘Raamtanu’.
Taansen’s earlier studies were done with his father Makarand Pande and Guru Sufi saint ‘Gous
Muhammad’ in Gwalior. After this he acquired higher education in Music from Swaamee Haridaas in
Vrundaavan. With this divine teacher’s benevolent attention, Taansen received excellent knowledge at a very
young age.
Taansen met Swaamee Haridaas by coincidence. Swaamee Haridaas came to Vaaraanasee (a holy
town) on pilgrimage with his students. Swaamee ji got fascinated by Taansen’s handsomeness, his excellent
talent to imitate voices and his proven capacity to entertain people. Swaamee ji told Makarand Pande of his
wish to accept Taansen as his student and take Taansen with him to his place.
Father Makarand Pande agreed and Taansen’s music instruction began from that day.
The Guru (teacher) was Taansen’s life’s singular treasure and focus of attention. Swaamee Haridaas
taught Taansen about 200 dhrupads.
Taansen was an excellent composer. He mostly wrote dhrupads, which are found scattered in many
books. The biggest collection of dhrupads can be found in ‘Raag Kalpadrum’ edited by Shree Krushnaanand
Vyaas (year 1898). It is known from studying these available dhrupads that they are mostly related to
descriptions of God’s praises, knowledge, devotion, king’s praises, goddesses, and Krishna leelaa.
Before coming to samraat Akbar, Taansen was a royal vocalist in King Raamchandra’s court. By this
time he was substantially well known. Samraat Akbar heard his praises and he sent invitation to Taansen and
asked him to be a royal singer in his court. Raajaa Raamchandra reluctantly bid Taansen goodbye.
It is said that Taansen’s name was not Taansen. It is a title given to him because of his talents.
Taansen entered Akbar’s court in the year 1556. He was a court singer and one of the ‘Navaratna’s. He
became so famous because of his singing talents that he is considered to be a ‘Sangeet Samraat’ (music
emperor) of his time.
There are several legends about his singing, such as his Deepak raag would light up extinguished
lamps on their own, Megh raag would bring rains at any odd time, and even rocks would liquate etc.
Apart from being a great singer, Taansen was a great scholar and musician. He modified ancient
raagaas and developed new ones, such as ‘Darbaari Kaanadaa’ and ‘Miyaan ki Malhaar’ etc.
‘Sangeetsaar’ and ‘Raagmaalaa’ are theoretical books written by him.
Taanseen passed away in year 1585 in Delhi and his tomb was established in Gwalior.
To keep Taansen’s memory alive, Indian government organizes a music conference every year in
Gwalior. Many new comers as well as respected established artists present their art at this function in his
honor.