12-Tansen: a great musician
(1598 AD - 1670 AD)

Once Akbar asked Tansen to sing Deepak Raag. Tansen tried his best not to sing it because it could create havoc in the court, but Akbar wanted to see that havoc himself. Tansen sang the Deepak Raag. First the courtiers started feeing warmth, then gradually they saw that all the lamps had lighted, then they started burning and then they saw that the curtains of the court had started burning. The fire had set. Everybody got worried. What to do now.

Tansen's daughter also sang very well. Somebody suggested to call her and to cool down the court. She was called and she immediately started singing Megh Malhaar Raag. Surprisingly, after a while it started raining, gradually the warmth decreased, and fire was put out.

He is also credited for creating Raag Darbaaree Kaanadaa and originating Dhrupad style of singing. Even today the classical Gharaanaa (families) try to align themselves with Miyaan Tansen. He was buried in Gwalior, where his tomb still exists. There is a tamarind tree next to the tomb, which is reputed to be as old as the tomb itself. It is believed that one who chews a leaf from this tree in earnest faith will be bestowed with musical talents.

It is unclear if Tansen converted to Islam. Akbar who was very fond of him gave him the title of "Miyaan". Tansen’s son Bilaas Khan composed Raag Bilaaskhaanee Todee and his daughter Saraswatee Devi was a well-known Dhrupad singer.