Civil Services Prep

Prelims 2019 · Art and Culture · Question 76

With reference to Mian Tansen, which one of the following statements is not correct?

  1. Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.
  2. Tansen composed Dhrupada on Hindu gods and goddesses.
  3. Tansen composed songs on his patrons.
  4. Tansen invented many Ragas.

Answer

Tansen was the title given to him by Emperor Akbar.

  • (a) Not correct. The commonly accepted view is that 'Mian' was the honorific/title associated with Tansen; saying 'Tansen' itself was the title given by Akbar is inaccurate. His personal name is usually given as Ramtanu Pandey / Tanna Mishra.
  • (b) Correct. Tansen is associated with Dhrupad compositions, including those on Hindu gods and goddesses.
  • (c) Correct. He also composed songs in praise of his patrons, which was common for court musicians.
  • (d) Broadly treated as correct in standard exam usage. He is traditionally credited with creating/developing several ragas such as Mian ki Malhar and Mian ki Todi.

Therefore, (a) is the best answer as per standard historical interpretation and the UPSC key.

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