About the Author
The story of "Tansen" is not written by one person but comes from Indian history and folklore, retold for your textbook. It is a popular tale about a real singer from long ago, shared through stories passed down over time. The version in A Pact with the Sun is written simply for young readers like you, to teach about music, bravery, and respect for talent. The textbook writers chose this story to show how great people can inspire us all.
What’s the Story About?
This story is about Tansen, a very famous singer who lived in India hundreds of years ago during the time of Emperor Akbar, a kind and powerful king. Tansen was born in a small village called Behat in Gwalior. Even as a little boy, he loved music and could sing beautifully. His father, Mukandan Mishra, was a singer too, and Tansen learned a lot from him.
When Tansen was very young, he could copy the sounds of birds and animals so well that they sounded real! One day, a famous holy man named Swami Haridas heard Tansen singing in the forest, copying a bird’s song. Swami Haridas was amazed and asked Tansen’s father to let him teach the boy. For ten years, Tansen stayed with Swami Haridas, learning music day and night. He became so good that his songs could make people cry, laugh, or even feel like the seasons were changing!
Later, Tansen became a singer in the court of a king named Raja Ramchandra of Rewa. His fame grew, and soon Emperor Akbar heard about him. Akbar loved music and invited Tansen to his court in Agra. Tansen joined Akbar’s court and became one of his “nine jewels,” a group of very talented people. His singing was so magical that it could make lamps light up by themselves or bring rain from the sky!
But not everyone was happy about Tansen’s talent. Some jealous people in Akbar’s court wanted to test him. They asked Akbar to make Tansen sing Raga Deepak, a special song that could create fire. They hoped Tansen would fail or get hurt. Akbar, curious to see Tansen’s power, agreed. Tansen was worried because singing Raga Deepak could make his body so hot it might harm him. But he was brave and agreed to try.
To stay safe, Tansen had a clever plan. He taught his daughter, Saraswati, and her friend, Rupvati, to sing Raga Megh Malhar, a song that brings rain. On the day of the performance, Tansen sang Raga Deepak. As he sang, the air grew hot, lamps began to glow, and everyone felt the heat rising. People were amazed but scared for Tansen. Just when it seemed too dangerous, Saraswati and Rupvati started singing Raga Megh Malhar. Dark clouds gathered, and cool rain fell, calming the heat and saving Tansen.
Everyone cheered, and Akbar was so happy that he gave Tansen many gifts. The jealous courtiers felt ashamed and never tried to harm him again. The story shows how Tansen’s talent, hard work, and smart thinking made him a legend, loved by all who heard his music.
Who’s Who in the Story
- Tansen: The main character, a super talented singer who can make magical things happen with his music. He is brave, smart, and kind.
- Mukandan Mishra: Tansen’s father, a singer who teaches his son to love music from a young age.
- Swami Haridas: A wise and famous holy man who becomes Tansen’s teacher and helps him become a great musician.
- Emperor Akbar: The kind and powerful king who loves music and makes Tansen part of his court.
- Raja Ramchandra: The king of Rewa who employs Tansen before he goes to Akbar’s court.
- Saraswati: Tansen’s daughter, who helps save her father by singing Raga Megh Malhar with her friend.
- Rupvati: Saraswati’s friend, who sings with her to bring rain and cool the heat of Raga Deepak.
- Jealous Courtiers: People in Akbar’s court who are not happy about Tansen’s fame and try to test him with a dangerous task.
Themes and Moral
Themes:
- Power of Music: The story shows how music can do amazing things, like bringing rain or lighting lamps, and touch people’s hearts.
- Hard Work and Talent: Tansen becomes great because he practices for years and loves what he does.
- Jealousy and Kindness: Some people are jealous of Tansen, but his kindness and talent win everyone over in the end.
- Clever Thinking: Tansen uses his brain to stay safe, showing that being smart is as important as being talented.
Moral:
The big lesson is: “Work hard on what you love, and use your talents wisely to face any challenge.” The story teaches us to be proud of our skills, stay kind even when others are mean, and think of clever ways to solve problems.
Important Vocabulary and Phrases
Here are some key words and phrases from the story, explained in simple words you hear at home or school.
- Raga: A special kind of song in Indian music that can create feelings or even change the weather, like a magical tune.
- Court: The place where a king or emperor sits with his helpers to listen to music, make decisions, or enjoy shows.
- Holy man: A wise person who teaches good things and lives simply, like a saint or guru who helps others.
- Jealous: Feeling upset because someone else has something you want, like when a friend gets a new toy and you don’t.
- Talent: A special skill you are really good at, like singing, drawing, or playing cricket.
- Imitate: To copy someone or something exactly, like making the same sound as a bird or copying a friend’s dance.
- Courtier: A person who works for or stays with a king, helping him and sometimes joining in his plans.
- Melody: A sweet and beautiful sound in music, like the tune you hum from your favorite song.
- Legend: A person who becomes very famous for doing something amazing, like a hero everyone talks about for years.