India Music Dance Culture Heritage Tourism Guide

Tansen Lights the Court with Raga Dipak: The basis of' Indian Classical Music is nature. Encompassing human beings' relationship to each other, to the Gods and to the elements. Prevalent notes of seasons and times of day find their resonance in the relevant Ragas.

The legendary tale of Mian Tansen's creation of Raga Dipak depicts this aspect clearly. It is said that in the woods, Tansen saw twigs catch fire when birds whistled some notes at dusk. Experimenting, he discovered the right notes in ascending order. Word of this discovery spread.

Rivals at Emperor Akbar's court motivated the Emperor to get Tansen to sing the Raga, knowing that he would be destroyed. Tansen asked for a few days reprieve and taught, a strange woman he had encountered, Megha Malhar, the Raga that beckoned the rain clouds.

On the pro-appointed day Mian Tansen began expounding Raga Dipak. It is said, that he was lost in his art, even while the entire ambience heated up. Stones were becoming red-hot, wooden fittings threatening to blaze and lamps sprang to life. In a suitably inspired vein the 'lady' was the savior, singing the Megha Malhar, bringing in the rains and dousing the flames.

Popular Classical Music of India

Music & Dances of India