CBSE Class 6 English NCERT Solutions: Tansen

Solution: Swami Haridas recognized Tansen's exceptional talent when, as a child, Tansen skillfully imitated the calls of various birds and animals. One day, Tansen hid behind a tree and let out a fierce roar like a tiger, successfully frightening Swami Haridas's disciples. Impressed by this clever and realistic imitation, Swami Haridas declared Tansen to be 'talented'.

Solution: After learning music from Swami Haridas for eleven years, Tansen had become a highly accomplished musician. When Emperor Akbar heard Tansen singing, he was deeply impressed by his melodious voice and musical prowess. Moved by his performance, Akbar invited Tansen to join his royal court.

Solution: We know that Emperor Akbar was very fond of Tansen through his actions:

1. Akbar would often summon Tansen to sing for him at any time, day or night, indicating his deep appreciation and desire for Tansen's music.
2. At times, Akbar would personally visit Tansen's house simply to listen to him practice, showing a level of personal interest and closeness. He also bestowed many valuable presents upon Tansen, further demonstrating his affection and high regard.

Solution: Many of the other courtiers felt a sense of jealousy towards Tansen. This was because Emperor Akbar showed him great favour, often calling him to sing and giving him numerous gifts. His immense popularity and the Emperor's affection made the other courtiers envious, leading them to resent his success and popularity.

Solution:

(i) If Raga Deepak is sung correctly and with the proper intonation, it is believed to generate intense heat in the atmosphere. This extreme heat can cause the air to become so hot that the singer is consumed by the flames and burnt to ashes.

(ii) Tansen's enemies wanted him to sing Raga Deepak because they were aware of his exceptional singing abilities. They knew that if he sang the Raga perfectly, the dangerous heat it produced would cause his death by burning him to ashes. By orchestrating this, they hoped to eliminate him and get rid of his popularity and the Emperor's favour.

Solution: Tansen agreed to sing Raga Deepak primarily because he could not disobey the king, Emperor Akbar. Akbar was convinced of Tansen's supreme musical talent and believed he could perform any Raga. Additionally, Tansen likely wanted to prove his mastery and courage by attempting such a formidable and dangerous Raga, despite the risks involved.

Solution:

(i) Tansen was aware of the deadly consequences of singing Raga Deepak and knew it would burn him to ashes. To save himself, he devised a clever plan. He decided that if someone sang Raga Megh, which is known to bring rain, at the same time, the rain could counteract the intense heat. He then spent two weeks rigorously teaching his daughter, Saraswati, and her friend, Rupvati, to sing Raga Megh perfectly. He instructed them to begin singing only after the lamps had started burning due to the heat from Raga Deepak. He also requested Emperor Akbar for some time to make these preparations.

(ii) Yes, Tansen's plan worked successfully. On the appointed day, as Tansen began to sing Raga Deepak, the air grew intensely hot, causing the audience to perspire profusely. The trees began to dry up, birds fell dead, and the river water started to boil. Soon, flames appeared and lit the lamps. At this critical moment, Saraswati and Rupvati began singing Raga Megh. The sky quickly clouded over, and a much-needed rain began to fall, cooling the atmosphere and saving Tansen from being burnt to ashes.