Chapter- 4.5 Tansen
1. Who lived in a cave of the Himalayas?
Answer: Ostad, a highly spiritual and divine musician, lived in a remote cave in the Himalayas. He chose to stay far away from worldly comforts because he was devoted only to God and music.
2. Why did the King desire to meet Ostad?
Answer: The King wished to meet Ostad because he had heard of Ostad’s heavenly musical abilities. He longed to sit at his feet, listen to his celestial melodies, and experience the divine joy that Ostad’s music was known to create.
3. What was the King willing to give up to hear Ostad?
Answer: The King was so eager to hear Ostad that he said he would willingly give up all his royal luxuries and status, even choosing to walk in poverty if it meant listening to Ostad’s divine music.
4. Who suggested that the King go as a slave?
Answer: Tansen, the court musician of Akbar, advised the King to go in disguise as a humble slave so that Ostad would not refuse to meet him.
5. Why did Tansen recommend going as a poor slave?
Answer: Tansen explained that Ostad rejected worldly wealth and power. Since he disliked performing for earthly kings, they could only meet him if they approached him humbly, like poor and simple devotees.
6. Where did Tansen lead the King?
Answer: Tansen guided the King on a long and difficult journey to Ostad’s cave, located high up in the Himalayan mountains, far away from the hustle of human life.
7. What did the King and Tansen do at the singer’s feet?
Answer: They both knelt respectfully at Ostad’s feet and prayed with deep devotion, showing complete humility and reverence.
8. What did they request from Ostad?
Answer: They prayed earnestly and requested Ostad to bless them by singing one of his divine compositions.
9. Why did Ostad agree to sing for them?
Answer: Ostad saw the sincerity and humility in their behaviour. Moved by their devotion, he agreed to sing, even though he usually avoided performing for people.
10. What raga did Ostad sing?
Answer: Ostad sang the Malkous Raga, a deeply spiritual and powerful musical composition known for its profound emotional and divine effects.
11. What was the effect of the Malkous Raga on animals?
Answer: Ostad’s music had a magical impact on nature. Birds and animals were drawn to the cave, gathering peacefully around him, fully enchanted by the melody.
12. How did Akbar feel while listening to Ostad?
Answer: Akbar felt overwhelmed with heavenly joy. Waves of divine rapture washed over his soul, making him feel as if he was lifted beyond the ordinary world into a spiritual realm.
13. What happened when Akbar turned to praise Ostad?
Answer: When Akbar tried to express his gratitude and admiration, he found that Ostad had disappeared quietly, leaving no trace behind.
14. What did Akbar ask Tansen after Ostad disappeared?
Answer: Akbar asked Tansen about the special theme or composition that had filled his heart with such deep spiritual bliss.
15. Why did Akbar want Tansen to sing the same theme?
Answer: Akbar hoped that hearing Tansen perform the same melody would allow him to re-experience the same divine joy and heavenly peace that Ostad’s singing had created.
16. Could Tansen produce the same effect as Ostad?
Answer: No, Tansen could not recreate the same powerful spiritual effect, even though he himself was a great musician.
17. Why was Tansen unable to sing like Ostad?
Answer: Tansen explained that he sang for the King and for the court, whereas Ostad sang only for God. Music born out of devotion is far greater and more powerful than music performed for human praise.
18. What does the King’s journey show about his desire?
Answer: The King’s willingness to walk as a slave and climb mountains reflects his deep humility and sincere longing to experience true, divine music.
19. What quality of Ostad is highlighted in the passage?
Answer: Ostad’s complete detachment from worldly riches and his unwavering devotion to God are beautifully highlighted. He valued spirituality far above material comforts.
20. What made Ostad different from other musicians?
Answer: Unlike ordinary musicians who perform for fame, wealth, or royal patronage, Ostad sang solely out of devotion. His music was a form of worship, pure and untouched by worldly desires.
21. What does “scorning its wealth” suggest about Ostad?
Answer: It suggests that Ostad rejected all forms of material wealth and luxury, choosing instead a life of spiritual purity and simplicity.
22. Why did Tansen ride while the King walked?
Answer: Since the King was pretending to be a humble slave, he walked on foot while Tansen rode on horseback to maintain their disguise before Ostad.
23. What does Akbar’s behaviour reveal about him?
Answer: Akbar’s behaviour shows his deep respect for true art and spiritual greatness. It also reveals his humility, as he did not hesitate to disguise himself to meet a holy musician.
24. What is meant by “celestial song”?
Answer: A celestial song is a divine, heavenly musical piece that fills the listener with peace, joy, and spiritual upliftment.
25. Why did birds and beasts gather during the singing?
Answer: Because Ostad’s music was so pure, divine, and harmonious that even animals were captivated by it and came close to listen peacefully.
26. Why did Ostad disappear quietly?
Answer: Ostad was a spiritual master who avoided praise and recognition. He left quietly to maintain his humility and connection with God.
27. What was Akbar’s reaction after hearing the raga?
Answer: Akbar was lost in a state of deep trance and joy. His heart was filled with a sense of heavenly bliss that he had never experienced before.
28. What lesson does the story teach about true art?
Answer: The story teaches that true art comes from purity, devotion, and sincerity. Music created for God is more powerful than music created for fame or admiration.
29. What does “felicity” refer to in the passage?
Answer: “Felicity” refers to the great happiness, peace, and spiritual joy brought by Ostad’s divine music.
30. What central contrast is shown between Tansen and Ostad?
Answer: Tansen represents worldly skill and royal art, while Ostad represents spiritual mastery and divine music. Tansen sings to please the King, but Ostad sings only for God, making his music far more powerful.
Answer by Dimpee Bora
