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English | Class 6th | Let’s Read-VI
Tansen | Lesson 4 | Summary | Questions and Answers |
Short Summary
“Tansen” is the story of
one of India's greatest musicians, who lived during the reign of Emperor Akbar.
Tansen showed remarkable musical talent from a young age and was trained by the
famous musician Haridas. His extraordinary skills earned him a place in Akbar's
royal court as one of the "Navaratnas" (Nine Gems).
Tansen could perform magical feats with
his music, such as making it rain by singing Megh Malhar or lighting
lamps by singing Deepak Raag. However, when envious courtiers plotted
against him, Tansen's life was in danger. With the help of his daughter and a
fellow musician, he overcame the challenge, demonstrating that true talent and
goodness always triumph over jealousy and deceit.
The story highlights Tansen's dedication to his art and the power of music, teaching lessons about talent, loyalty, and overcoming adversity.
Questions
Question 1. Why did Swami Haridas say
Tansen was ‘talented’?
Answer: Swami Haridas
said Tansen was ‘talented’ because he recognized Tansen's extraordinary musical
abilities and potential.
When Tansen was
young, he imitated the sounds of animals and birds, showing an innate sense of
rhythm and melody. Under Swami Haridas's guidance, Tansen developed these raw
talents into remarkable musical skills, impressing everyone with his mastery. Swami
Haridas saw not just natural talent but also Tansen's dedication, creativity,
and passion for music, which would later make him one of India's greatest
musicians.
Question 2. Why
did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
Answer: Akbar
asked Tansen to join his court because he was impressed by Tansen's
extraordinary musical talent and wanted such a gifted musician in his royal
court. Tansen's fame as a brilliant singer had spread widely, and Akbar
believed his presence would enrich the cultural atmosphere of the court.
Question 3. How do we know that Akbar
was fond of Tansen? Give two reasons.
i. Answer: Honouring Tansen: Akbar included Tansen as one of the "Navaratnas"
(Nine Gems) of his court, a prestigious recognition reserved for the most
talented individuals.
ii. Personal
Interest: Akbar often requested private performances from Tansen and
appreciated his music deeply, showing great admiration and respect for him.
Question 4. What did the other courtiers
feel about Tansen?
Answer: The
other courtiers were envious and jealous of Tansen's talent and the special
favor he received from Emperor Akbar. They plotted against him, hoping to
diminish his reputation and harm him out of spite.
Question 5.
(i) What happens if Raga Deepak is sung
properly?
Answer: If
Raga Deepak is sung properly, it is believed to generate intense heat, causing
lamps to light up and the surroundings to become very hot, even to the extent
of burning the singer.
(ii) Why did Tansen’s enemies want him
to sing the Raga?
Answer: Tansen's
enemies wanted him to sing Raga Deepak because they knew the intense heat it
produced could potentially harm or even kill him. It was part of their plot to
destroy him out of jealousy.
Question 6. Why did Tansen agree to sing
Raga Deepak?
Answer: Tansen
agreed to sing Raga Deepak because he felt obliged to fulfill Emperor Akbar's
command and wanted to prove his loyalty and dedication to the king. He also
believed in his ability to handle the situation, despite knowing the dangers
involved.
Question 7.
(i) What steps did he take to save
himself?
Answer: To
save himself, Tansen taught his daughter and her friend to sing Raga Megh
Malhar, a raga known for bringing rain. He planned for them to sing it
simultaneously while he performed Raga Deepak.
(ii) Did his plan work? How?
Answer: Yes,
his plan worked. As Tansen sang Raga Deepak, the heat intensified, but his
daughter and her friend sang Raga Megh Malhar, which brought cooling rains that
balanced the heat and saved Tansen from being burned.
Question: Are you interested in music?
Do you like classical music? Name a few distinguished Indian musicians.
Answer: Yes, I
am interested in music, and I appreciate classical music for its rich heritage
and emotional depth. Some distinguished Indian musicians are:
Pandit Ravi
Shankar (Sitar)
Ustad Zakir
Hussain (Tabla)
Lata
Mangeshkar (Vocals)
MS
Subbulakshmi (Carnatic vocals)
Bhimsen Joshi
(Hindustani classical vocals)
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