Character Sketch from Class 9 English Chapter 4.5 – Tansen of Tansen, Emperor Akbar, and Ostad
A character sketch defines what the character is like and how he/she evolves or develops throughout the story. In this post you can find the Character Sketch of Tansen, Emperor Akbar, and Ostad from Maharashtra Class 9 English Kumarbharti Book Chapter 4.5 – Tansen
- Character sketch of Tansen
- Questions related to the Character of Tansen
- Character Sketch of Emperor Akbar
- Questions related to the Character of Emperor Akbar
- Character Sketch of Ostad
- Questions related to the Character of Ostad
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Character Sketch of Tansen
Tansen is known to have been a mythical and talented musician and is also regarded as a remarkable artist in Hindustani classical music. Originally from Gwalior, Tansen displayed musical abilities as a child, and he later became a disciple of the famed musician Swami Haridas. With practice and instruction from Swami Haridas, Tansen became a master of the musical art form. The magic of Tansen’s performances was such that singing one raga would light lamps, while singing a different raga would coax rain. Because of his talent and widespread insight, Tansen was one of the nine gems (also known as Navaratnas) of Emperor Akbar’s court, where he received the title of ‘Mian.’ The humility of Tansen, the genuine and honest devotion to his art and the spiritual aspects of his music have made him among the most revered figures in Indian musical history.
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Questions related to the Character of Tansen
1. In what way did Tansen’s musical ability shape his role at Akbar’s court?
2. What does Tansen’s relationship with Swami Haridas tell us about Tansen’s character as a musician, teacher or individual, or musician?
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Character Sketch of Emperor Akbar
Emperor Akbar is characterised as a wise and generous ruler who held the arts in high regard, especially music. His court was rich in culture and the arts, and he valued Tansens’ artistry, requesting him to perform and later rewarding him handsomely. In contrast to his divinely-given respect from kings, emperors and noblemen of all types, Akbar also admired the fact that Tansen paid homage to his guru Swami Haridas, to experience on behalf of his audience the divinity contained in music as an art form. Akbar had so much respect for true mastery that, disguised as a common person, he journeyed to visit the Ostad (master). His deep humility must have made quite an impact on him, showing how deep his regard was for real mastery in both spirituality and art. Akbar’s patronage of the arts was instrumental in the encouragement and promotion of the cultural heritage of his state.
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Questions related to the Character of Emperor Akbar:
1. What does Akbar’s visit to Swami Haridas look like in terms of his inclination to appreciate genuine talent?
2. How did Emperor Akbar advance music and culture in the court?
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Character Sketch of Ostad (Swami Haridas)
In the narrative, Swami Haridas, known as the Ostad, is portrayed as a saint and as a master musician, whose all-inclusive compositions were more than simply a performance; they became a spiritual experience. By living a pious, humble life in Vrindavan, he had Tansen as his disciple too, who respected him fully and was devoted to him. Swami Haridas’s music mesmerised not only humans, but also animals and nature, which demonstrated his great spirit of devotion and surrender to God. His refusal to perform for fame and his passion for spiritual fulfilment through music is unique, and show his clarity of presence and devotion, resulting in great purity and devotion in art.
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Questions related to the character of Ostad (Swami Haridas):
1. In what way did Swami Haridas’ way of life inform his music?
2. What makes Swami Haridas a noteworthy teacher and teacher of music as a musician and spiritual one?