GOD'S OWN ANGEL - WHO'S ON CLOUD 9 - TANSEN OR BEETHOVEN
God’s Own Angel - Who’s on CLOUD 9- TANSEN OR BEETHOVEN !
Music is to the soul what bread is to body health. It enriches life, endears one to God, enlivens one's spirit, refreshes the mind, exercises the body and mind.
No form of music is as enriching as the Indian Classical forms that have a note for every mood of life, with as deep knowledge in theory and practice.
It rained when he was singing….!!
Megh Malhar is a Hindustani classical raga. The name derives from the Sanskrit word Megh, meaning cloud. Legends say that this raga has the power to bring out rain in the area where it is sung.
No form of music is as enriching as the Indian Classical forms that have a note for every mood of life, with as deep knowledge in theory and practice.
It rained when he was singing….!!
Megh Malhar is a Hindustani classical raga. The name derives from the Sanskrit word Megh, meaning cloud. Legends say that this raga has the power to bring out rain in the area where it is sung.
The origin of the belief dates back to the Mughal Era, and the story relates to one of Akbar’s Nine Jewels in his court, namely, Tansen.
Almost exactly in the centre of India is a town called Gwalior. In this town is the tomb of Tansen, one of the greatest musicians who ever lived.
Cloud 9 refers to a state of extreme happiness or euphoria, characterised by a feeling of floating on air.
The Raga Megh Malhar is portrayed in Hindi film “Mother India”.
The song credit goes to –
Dukha Bhare Din Bite Re Bhaiya
Film - Mother India
Year - 1957
Rag - Megh Malhar
Tal - Dadra
Music Director(s) - Naushad
Singer(s) - Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Shamshad Begum.
Indian Raga
Malhar : Invocation to the Rain God
The Raga Malhar is a powerful, legendary Raga in Indian classical music. Raga Malhar is associated with the atmosphere of torrential rains. There are many written accounts and legendary tales about Raga Malhar. According to legend, Raga Malhar is so powerful that when sung, rain begins to fall from the sky. Many great artists of the medieval and much earlier period used to sing this Raga to invoke the Rain God. Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Mahanvilas Kanh (son of Tansen) and Meera are among the singers who are said to have been capable of invoking rains by singing various forms of Raga Malhar.
Megh Malhar: The Passion-Quenching Raga in Body of Music.
Faridabad celebrated the “Megh Malhar” festival with fervour and excitement. They enjoyed the rain dance and a popcorn party.
“I am not trying to compare Tansen with Beethoven in this BLOG Post. Beethoven is an international figure in the world of music. Beethoven deserves a separate Blog in high accolade which may feature in JOHNNY’S BLOG sometime in the near future.” - Johnson Vj
Raga Megh
Raga Megh is loved by many people. This raga is heard in the monsoon season when thunderbolts rock the sky and raindrops fall on the ground. Raga Megh is considered a janak raga. Raga Megh and Raga Malhar have very similar ecstatic properties. According to the Janak ragas, Rag Deepak came to burn and enflame people during the summer. When the summer season ended and the monsoon season started, Raga Megh extinguished the flames and fire caused by Rag Deepak. It is truly the raga to extinguish the fires of the heart.
Tansen and Raga Megh
Tansen was a great Hindustani musician. He lived during Akbar’s time. Tansen was one of the nine jewels in Akbar's court. The most special thing about Tansen was that he was a music magician. He had so much control over the "Ragas" that he could do astonishing feats by singing them.
A lot of Akbar’s courtiers were jealous of Tansen's privileges. They schemed to set him up for failure. They spread the word that Tansen could make an oil lamp light up with his singing. The courtiers thought that if Tansen failed to do this, it would be obvious that his music skills were ordinary. But if he succeeds, he could die singing the "Raag", because it would produce so much heat that his body would be burnt. Akbar obviously heard about this talent and asked Tansen to perform the feat, knowing well that some pranksters were up to mischief to harm Tansen. But, knowing Tansen as he did, the Emperor knew he would find a way out of the mess....and he did indeed!
Now Tansen was in a fix. Sure, he could do this feat. But what would happen then? He would surely burn, and things around him may burn as well. The only antidote for this was for him to sing "Raag Megh Malhar" immediately after he sings "Raag Deepak". "Raag Megh Malhar" would bring pouring rain and cool him and his surroundings. But surely he would be unable to sing this after singing "Raag Deepak", as he would be very weak. He could not say 'no 'to the great emperor! No one else, he thought, could sing "Megh Malhar".
Cloud 9 refers to a state of extreme happiness or euphoria, characterised by a feeling of floating on air.
The Raga Megh Malhar is portrayed in Hindi film “Mother India”.
The song credit goes to –
Dukha Bhare Din Bite Re Bhaiya
Film - Mother India
Year - 1957
Rag - Megh Malhar
Tal - Dadra
Music Director(s) - Naushad
Singer(s) - Asha Bhosle, Manna Dey, Mohammed Rafi, Shamshad Begum.
Indian Raga
Malhar : Invocation to the Rain God
The Raga Malhar is a powerful, legendary Raga in Indian classical music. Raga Malhar is associated with the atmosphere of torrential rains. There are many written accounts and legendary tales about Raga Malhar. According to legend, Raga Malhar is so powerful that when sung, rain begins to fall from the sky. Many great artists of the medieval and much earlier period used to sing this Raga to invoke the Rain God. Tansen, Baiju Bawra, Mahanvilas Kanh (son of Tansen) and Meera are among the singers who are said to have been capable of invoking rains by singing various forms of Raga Malhar.
Megh Malhar: The Passion-Quenching Raga in Body of Music.
Faridabad celebrated the “Megh Malhar” festival with fervour and excitement. They enjoyed the rain dance and a popcorn party.
“I am not trying to compare Tansen with Beethoven in this BLOG Post. Beethoven is an international figure in the world of music. Beethoven deserves a separate Blog in high accolade which may feature in JOHNNY’S BLOG sometime in the near future.” - Johnson Vj
Raga Megh
Raga Megh is loved by many people. This raga is heard in the monsoon season when thunderbolts rock the sky and raindrops fall on the ground. Raga Megh is considered a janak raga. Raga Megh and Raga Malhar have very similar ecstatic properties. According to the Janak ragas, Rag Deepak came to burn and enflame people during the summer. When the summer season ended and the monsoon season started, Raga Megh extinguished the flames and fire caused by Rag Deepak. It is truly the raga to extinguish the fires of the heart.
Tansen and Raga Megh
Tansen was a great Hindustani musician. He lived during Akbar’s time. Tansen was one of the nine jewels in Akbar's court. The most special thing about Tansen was that he was a music magician. He had so much control over the "Ragas" that he could do astonishing feats by singing them.
A lot of Akbar’s courtiers were jealous of Tansen's privileges. They schemed to set him up for failure. They spread the word that Tansen could make an oil lamp light up with his singing. The courtiers thought that if Tansen failed to do this, it would be obvious that his music skills were ordinary. But if he succeeds, he could die singing the "Raag", because it would produce so much heat that his body would be burnt. Akbar obviously heard about this talent and asked Tansen to perform the feat, knowing well that some pranksters were up to mischief to harm Tansen. But, knowing Tansen as he did, the Emperor knew he would find a way out of the mess....and he did indeed!
Now Tansen was in a fix. Sure, he could do this feat. But what would happen then? He would surely burn, and things around him may burn as well. The only antidote for this was for him to sing "Raag Megh Malhar" immediately after he sings "Raag Deepak". "Raag Megh Malhar" would bring pouring rain and cool him and his surroundings. But surely he would be unable to sing this after singing "Raag Deepak", as he would be very weak. He could not say 'no 'to the great emperor! No one else, he thought, could sing "Megh Malhar".
His worries were evident to his daughter. She suggested that after he sang "Deepak Raag", she would sing "Raag Megh Malhar". "Raag Deepak" would light the lamps. She would sing "Raag Megh Malhar" which would bring rain and cool Tansen and extinguish the flames of the oil lamps around him. Tansen had taught Raag Megh Malhar to his daughter, and she was as wonderful and an exponent as himself! This was Tansen’s best option. He would sing or die trying.
The day of the performance arrived. The emperor’s assembly was adorned with countless oil lamps, which were waiting to light up. Tansen started singing "Raag Deepak. Soon, the temperature on the terrace began to rise. People could not believe the fact that temperatures were soaring. Things started melting. And lo! Suddenly, the hall was lit with countless oil lamps..!!! But Tansen was sick with fever! He ran to an open area. He was hoping that his daughter’s singing would work. Back in the village, Tansen’s daughter started singing "Raag Megh Malhar". Soon, clouds moved in over the village. Yes, it started raining!! Tansen lived!!.
The day of the performance arrived. The emperor’s assembly was adorned with countless oil lamps, which were waiting to light up. Tansen started singing "Raag Deepak. Soon, the temperature on the terrace began to rise. People could not believe the fact that temperatures were soaring. Things started melting. And lo! Suddenly, the hall was lit with countless oil lamps..!!! But Tansen was sick with fever! He ran to an open area. He was hoping that his daughter’s singing would work. Back in the village, Tansen’s daughter started singing "Raag Megh Malhar". Soon, clouds moved in over the village. Yes, it started raining!! Tansen lived!!.
Needless to say, Tansen was awarded by the Emperor and made the Royal singer. They remained forever the best of friends, and the emperor always found relief for his burdened soul in listening to Tansen's soulful ragas.
That is how rich Indian music is; its study will tire researchers, but learning won't end.
Biography -
Tansen, one of the Navratnas (nine gems) in the court of Emperor Akbar, is regarded as the Guru of all Gurus in Indian classical music, which continues to dominate the musical tradition of North India. Born in a Hindu family in Gwalior, his father, Mukund Mishra, was a renowned poet. Until the age of five, Tansen appeared to be an ordinary child, but his exceptional musical talent soon became evident and was nurtured by his guru, Swami Haridasa.
Tansen was not only a legendary singer but also an accomplished poet who composed numerous couplets and verses. During his time at Akbar’s court, he created several new ragas (melodic frameworks) that enriched Indian classical music. Revered as the father of Hindustani music, Tansen was honored with the title “Miyan” by Emperor Akbar. His celebrated works, Sangeeta Sara and Rajmala, remain invaluable contributions to the study of Indian music. He also played a pivotal role in popularising the Dhrupad style, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire musicians across generations.
Tansen was born into a Hindu Gaur family in a village near Satna. At birth, he was named Ramtanu and was affectionately called Tannu or Mukul by his family. His musical talent was nurtured under the guidance of his guru, a renowned singer of that era, who helped him realise his true versatility. Tansen first displayed his extraordinary talent before King Ramachandra of Mewa Bandhavgarh, earning recognition for his remarkable skill. Later, he was invited to the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar, where his musical genius flourished.
Born during a period when Persian and Central Asian musical influences were blending with traditional Indian styles, Tansen devoted himself to shaping the distinct identity of Hindustani classical music. His compositions and performances laid the foundation for the rich musical heritage that continues to thrive in North India today.
Tansen remained a disciple of Swami Haridas for quite a long time, who was a legendary composer from Vrindavan and also a part of the Gwalior court of Raja Man Singh Tomar. He specialised in the Dhrupad style of singing. How Tansen met Swami Haridas is debatable. While some claim that the two first met when Haridas was passing through the forests and Ramtanu, then a five-year-old old impressed the legendary musician with his imitation of a tiger, others say that it was Tansen's father who had taken Tansen to the musician's place. It was because of Swami Haridas that Tansen acquired his love for dhrupad along with his interest in compositions in the local language. It is also said that during his preparation to become a great singer, Tansen's father passed away, which made him give up everything, and he chose to return home, where he used to sing at a local Shiva temple.
Born during a period when Persian and Central Asian musical influences were blending with traditional Indian styles, Tansen devoted himself to shaping the distinct identity of Hindustani classical music. His compositions and performances laid the foundation for the rich musical heritage that continues to thrive in North India today.
Tansen remained a disciple of Swami Haridas for quite a long time, who was a legendary composer from Vrindavan and also a part of the Gwalior court of Raja Man Singh Tomar. He specialised in the Dhrupad style of singing. How Tansen met Swami Haridas is debatable. While some claim that the two first met when Haridas was passing through the forests and Ramtanu, then a five-year-old old impressed the legendary musician with his imitation of a tiger, others say that it was Tansen's father who had taken Tansen to the musician's place. It was because of Swami Haridas that Tansen acquired his love for dhrupad along with his interest in compositions in the local language. It is also said that during his preparation to become a great singer, Tansen's father passed away, which made him give up everything, and he chose to return home, where he used to sing at a local Shiva temple.
Muhammad Ghaus became his spiritual mentor and introduced him to Islam. He also married Husseini, which means the most beautiful one, who, in turn, blessed him with five children, and the interesting fact is that all of them went on to become great musicians. Tansen's association with Akbar leads to arguable stories. Some believe that Tansen had joined the court of King Ramachandra Baghela of Rewa, India, where he remained from 1555-1562. Akbar, upon hearing the former's musical prowess, sent his emissary Jalaluddin Qurchi to Ramachandra, who had little choice but to agree, and Tansen went to Akbar's court in 1562. Another legend states that Akbar's daughter Meherunnissa was charmed by Tansen, which was why Tansen came to Akbar's court. It also states that Tansen converted to Islam from Hinduism on the eve of his marriage to Akbar's daughter.
Tansen’s first performance at Akbar’s court was so extraordinary that the emperor rewarded him with one lakh gold coins — a testament to his incredible talent. Over time, Tansen became one of the most cherished jewels of Akbar’s court, earning the honorific title “Miyan” (meaning “learned man” or “respected master”) from the emperor himself.
Tansen’s voice was said to possess magical qualities, inspiring many legends about his musical powers. According to these stories, he could bring rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar and ignite lamps with Raga Deepak. His music was believed to be so powerful that candles would light up automatically when he performed in Akbar’s court.
Tansen’s style and mastery of Hindustani classical music set standards that have endured through centuries. His contribution to Indian music is immeasurable, and he continues to be revered by musicians and composers worldwide for his innovation, devotion, and unmatched artistry.
Tansen’s early training under Swami Haridas, a saint of the Bhakti movement, deeply rooted him in devotional music and the spiritual philosophy of love and surrender to the divine. Later, his association with Muhammad Ghaus, the Sufi mystic of Gwalior, introduced him to the mystical and transcendental aspects of Sufism. The blend of Bhakti emotion and Sufi spirituality became a hallmark of Tansen’s musical expression, giving his compositions a unique philosophical and emotional depth.
His musical repertoire includes several notable ragas, many of which he either created or refined — such as Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ka Bhairav, Darbari Kanada, Rageshwari, and Darbari Todi. These ragas remain some of the most revered in Indian classical music today.
Tansen, along with his guru Swami Haridas, is also credited with popularising and perfecting the Dhrupad style of singing, one of the oldest and most profound forms of Hindustani classical music.
Tansen’s influence extended far beyond Akbar’s royal court. His extraordinary talent and innovative approach to music inspired countless musicians in Gwalior and beyond, including the musically gifted queen, Mriganayani. Through his art, Tansen became a bridge between devotion and mysticism, seamlessly blending the Bhakti and Sufi traditions. His music not only united diverse spiritual paths but also transcended religious boundaries, linking Hindu and Muslim cultural expressions. Even today, his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, preserving his place as one of the most revered figures in the history of Indian classical music.
The greatest of all musicians, Tansen, left for the heavenly abode in the year 1589. Tansen was buried in the mausoleum complex of his Sufi guru, Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus, in Gwalior.
Tansen’s first performance at Akbar’s court was so extraordinary that the emperor rewarded him with one lakh gold coins — a testament to his incredible talent. Over time, Tansen became one of the most cherished jewels of Akbar’s court, earning the honorific title “Miyan” (meaning “learned man” or “respected master”) from the emperor himself.
Tansen’s voice was said to possess magical qualities, inspiring many legends about his musical powers. According to these stories, he could bring rain by singing Raga Megh Malhar and ignite lamps with Raga Deepak. His music was believed to be so powerful that candles would light up automatically when he performed in Akbar’s court.
Tansen’s style and mastery of Hindustani classical music set standards that have endured through centuries. His contribution to Indian music is immeasurable, and he continues to be revered by musicians and composers worldwide for his innovation, devotion, and unmatched artistry.
Tansen’s early training under Swami Haridas, a saint of the Bhakti movement, deeply rooted him in devotional music and the spiritual philosophy of love and surrender to the divine. Later, his association with Muhammad Ghaus, the Sufi mystic of Gwalior, introduced him to the mystical and transcendental aspects of Sufism. The blend of Bhakti emotion and Sufi spirituality became a hallmark of Tansen’s musical expression, giving his compositions a unique philosophical and emotional depth.
His musical repertoire includes several notable ragas, many of which he either created or refined — such as Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ka Bhairav, Darbari Kanada, Rageshwari, and Darbari Todi. These ragas remain some of the most revered in Indian classical music today.
Tansen, along with his guru Swami Haridas, is also credited with popularising and perfecting the Dhrupad style of singing, one of the oldest and most profound forms of Hindustani classical music.
Tansen’s influence extended far beyond Akbar’s royal court. His extraordinary talent and innovative approach to music inspired countless musicians in Gwalior and beyond, including the musically gifted queen, Mriganayani. Through his art, Tansen became a bridge between devotion and mysticism, seamlessly blending the Bhakti and Sufi traditions. His music not only united diverse spiritual paths but also transcended religious boundaries, linking Hindu and Muslim cultural expressions. Even today, his legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, preserving his place as one of the most revered figures in the history of Indian classical music.
The greatest of all musicians, Tansen, left for the heavenly abode in the year 1589. Tansen was buried in the mausoleum complex of his Sufi guru, Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus, in Gwalior.
The legends of music seldom compare Tansen with anyone, except perhaps the prolific Sufi composer Amir Khusro or the saint-poet Sant Kabir, when it comes to artistic influence and spiritual depth. Several of Tansen’s raga compositions have become mainstays of the Hindustani classical tradition, sometimes also referred to as the Ancient Indo-Pakistani tradition. Many of these are prefixed with “Miyan ki” (meaning “of the Miyan”), such as Miyan ki Todi, Miyan ki Malhar, Miyan ki Mand, and Miyan ka Sarang. In addition to these, Tansen is credited with the creation of major ragas like Darbari Kanada, Darbari Todi, and Rageshwari.
Tansen is also believed to be the author of the musical treatises Sangeeta Sara and Rajmaala, which hold significant value in the study of Indian classical music. Above all, Tansen was a mystic musician — his music was not just an art form but a spiritual journey that connected the earthly with the divine. His melodies continue to resonate through centuries, inspiring musicians and listeners alike.
Music of India
Classical Singers -
Balamurali Krishna
M. S. Subbulakshmi
Muthuswami Dikshitar
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Jasraj
Swami Haridas
Swathi Tirunal Rama Varma
Tansen
Tyagaraja
Ustad Allauddin Khan
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Composers & Playback Singers
Asha Bhonsle
A.R. Rahman
Dr. K. J. Yesudas
K. L. Saigal
K.S. Chitra
Kishore Kumar
Lata Mangeshkar
Mohammed Rafi
Mukesh
S. Janaki
Instrumentalists
Tansen is also believed to be the author of the musical treatises Sangeeta Sara and Rajmaala, which hold significant value in the study of Indian classical music. Above all, Tansen was a mystic musician — his music was not just an art form but a spiritual journey that connected the earthly with the divine. His melodies continue to resonate through centuries, inspiring musicians and listeners alike.
Music of India
Classical Singers -
Balamurali Krishna
M. S. Subbulakshmi
Muthuswami Dikshitar
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi
Pandit Jasraj
Swami Haridas
Swathi Tirunal Rama Varma
Tansen
Tyagaraja
Ustad Allauddin Khan
Ustad Bade Ghulam Ali Khan
Composers & Playback Singers
Asha Bhonsle
A.R. Rahman
Dr. K. J. Yesudas
K. L. Saigal
K.S. Chitra
Kishore Kumar
Lata Mangeshkar
Mohammed Rafi
Mukesh
S. Janaki
Instrumentalists
Dr. L. Subramaniam
Lalgudi Jayaraman
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pandit Ravi Shankar
Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ustad Zakir Hussain
Lalgudi Jayaraman
Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia
Pandit Ravi Shankar
Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Ustad Bismillah Khan
Ustad Zakir Hussain
Music Festivals
Chembai Music Festival
Dover Lane Music Festival
ITC Sangeet Sammelan
Saptak Music Festival
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav
Tansen Music Festival
Thyagaraja Music Festival
Musical Instruments
Chembai Music Festival
Dover Lane Music Festival
ITC Sangeet Sammelan
Saptak Music Festival
Sawai Gandharva Sangeet Mahotsav
Tansen Music Festival
Thyagaraja Music Festival
Musical Instruments
Chenda
Flute
Gettuvadyam
Mridanga
Nagaswaram
Santoor
Sarangi
Sarod
Shehnai
Sitar
Tabla
Tambura
Veena
Violin
Tansen was, of course, on cloud nine, and the rain gods seemed to shower their blessings upon him. With the power of his music, he is said to have summoned the rains themselves, calming the intense heat created by his fiery rendition of Raag Deepak.
Listening to the mesmerizing “Megh Malhar” — the Monsoon Raga, it’s easy to understand why one feels instantly lifted to cloud nine. The waves of melody, the rhythm of rain, and the emotion it stirs create pure euphoria — and it’s this very feeling that inspires me to add yet another edition to Johnny’s Blog.
Flute
Gettuvadyam
Mridanga
Nagaswaram
Santoor
Sarangi
Sarod
Shehnai
Sitar
Tabla
Tambura
Veena
Violin
Tansen was, of course, on cloud nine, and the rain gods seemed to shower their blessings upon him. With the power of his music, he is said to have summoned the rains themselves, calming the intense heat created by his fiery rendition of Raag Deepak.
Listening to the mesmerizing “Megh Malhar” — the Monsoon Raga, it’s easy to understand why one feels instantly lifted to cloud nine. The waves of melody, the rhythm of rain, and the emotion it stirs create pure euphoria — and it’s this very feeling that inspires me to add yet another edition to Johnny’s Blog.
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