Tansen was the only child of singer Mukandan Mistra and his wife. They lived in Behat near Gwalior. Tansen was a naughty child. He used to play in the forest and copy the calls of birds and animals.
Swami Haridas once visited the forest with his disciples. Tansen saw them and tried to frighten them. He hid behind a tree and roared like a tiger. Swami Haridas told them not to be afraid. One of his disciples noticed Tansen making the mischief.
Swami Haridas met Tansen's Father
Swami Haridas did not punish Tansen. He told his father that Tansen can be a good singer. Tansen was ten year old when he went away with Swami Haridas and lived with him for eleven years. He became a great singer. Tansen’s father wanted him to visit Mohammad Ghaus of Gwalior. His father was devoted to him.
Tansen Married Hussaiani
Tansen often visited the court of Rani Mrignani. He met one of the ladies of the court and married her. Her name was Hussaini. They had five children.
Emperor Akbar was Impressed with Tansen but Courtiers were Jealous
Tansen became famous and sang before Akbar who was impressed with him. He went to Akbar’s court in 1556. He became Akbar’s favourite. Akbar gave him many presents. The courtiers wanted him to ruin Tansen. One of the courtiers wanted him to sing Raga Deepak so that he could be burnt to ashes. He approached Akbar to order Tansen to sing Raga Deepak.
Tansen got an Idea to Hit Back
Tansen knew that his life could be saved if somebody will sing Raga Megh at the same time. He taught his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh.
People Came to Hear Tansen Sing Raga Deepak
When Tansen started singing, birds fell dead and water in the river began to boil. People cried out in terror as flames shot up and lighted the lamps. The two girls began to sing Raga Megh and it started raining. Tansen’s life was saved. Akbar punished Tansen’s enemies.