A Pact with the Sun Class 6 Chapter 4: Tansen Solutions Summary
Summary of Chapter 4: Tansen Solutions / Questions and Answers
Tansen solutions summary:
The chapter “Tansen” from “A Pact with the Sun” tells the story of Tansen, one of the greatest musicians in India. Tansen was the only child of Mukandan Misra and his wife, who lived near Gwalior. Even as a child, Tansen showed a natural talent for music and could imitate the sounds of birds and animals.
One day, Tansen frightened a group of travellers, including the famous musician Swami Haridas, by roaring like a tiger. Impressed by Tansen’s talent, Swami Haridas took him under his wing, and Tansen spent eleven years learning music from him. After the death of his parents, Tansen went to live with Mohammad Ghaus in Gwalior, where he met and married Hussaini. He became well-known and was eventually invited to join Emperor Akbar’s court in 1556, where he became a favourite.
However, some jealous courtiers plotted against Tansen and persuaded Akbar to make him sing Raga Deepak, a raga that could generate intense heat if sung properly. Tansen, fearing for his life, trained his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh, which could bring rain. On the appointed day, Tansen sang Raga Deepak, and as the temperature rose dangerously, Saraswati and Rupvati sang Raga Megh, bringing rain and saving Tansen. Akbar punished Tansen’s enemies, and Tansen continued to serve as the court musician until his death in 1585.
NCERT Solutions for A Pact with the Sun Class 6 Chapter 4: Tansen
Chapter 4: Tansen Solutions / Questions and Answers
Question 1: Why did Swami Haridas say Tansen was ‘talented’?
Answer: Swami Haridas said Tansen was talented because he could imitate the calls of birds and animals perfectly and showed a natural aptitude for music.
Question 2: Why did Akbar ask Tansen to join his court?
Answer: Akbar asked Tansen to join his court because he was greatly impressed by Tansen’s musical talent and wanted him to perform for his court regularly.
Question 3: How do we know that Akbar was fond of Tansen? Give two reasons.
Answer: Akbar often called Tansen to sing at any time of the day or night. Akbar frequently visited Tansen’s house to hear him practise and gave him many presents.
Question 4: What did the other courtiers feel about Tansen?
Answer: The other courtiers were jealous of Tansen’s talent and the favour he enjoyed with Akbar. They plotted against him to ruin his reputation and position.
Question 5: (i) What happens if Raga Deepak is sung properly?
Answer: If Raga Deepak is sung properly, it generates such intense heat that it can set lamps alight and burn the singer to ashes.
Question 5: (ii) Why did Tansen’s enemies want him to sing the Raga?
Answer: Tansen’s enemies wanted him to sing Raga Deepak because they hoped it would cause his death due to the extreme heat it generated.
Question 6: Why did Tansen agree to sing Raga Deepak?
Answer: Tansen agreed to sing Raga Deepak because he could not disobey the emperor’s command.
Question 7: (i) What steps did he take to save himself?
Answer: Tansen trained his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh, which could bring rain and counteract the effects of Raga Deepak.
Question 7: (ii) Did his plan work? How?
Answer: Yes, his plan worked. As Tansen sang Raga Deepak and the heat rose, Saraswati and Rupvati sang Raga Megh, bringing rain and saving Tansen from being burnt.
Tansen solutions – A Pact with the Sun Summary, Questions, and Answers
Extra Practice Questions with Answers related to Chapter-4 Tansen
Question 1: Describe Tansen’s childhood and his early interest in music.
Answer: Tansen was a naughty child who enjoyed playing in the forest and imitating the calls of birds and animals. His natural talent for music was evident from a young age, and he eventually caught the attention of the renowned musician Swami Haridas.
Question 2: How did Tansen’s life change after he became Akbar’s court musician?
Answer: After becoming Akbar’s court musician, Tansen gained immense fame and became a favourite of the emperor. He received many gifts from Akbar and was called upon to sing frequently, which further enhanced his reputation.
Question 3: What does the story of Tansen teach us about jealousy and talent?
Answer: The story of Tansen teaches us that jealousy can lead to malicious actions, but true talent and virtue will ultimately prevail. It also shows that those who are truly talented and humble will be recognised and appreciated, despite the envy of others.
Question 4: Why did Tansen train his daughter and her friend to sing Raga Megh?
Answer: Tansen trained his daughter Saraswati and her friend Rupvati to sing Raga Megh so that they could counteract the effects of Raga Deepak and save him from being burnt by the intense heat it generated.
Question 5: What was the outcome of the plot against Tansen by the jealous courtiers?
Answer: The plot against Tansen by the jealous courtiers failed. Although Tansen sang Raga Deepak and generated intense heat, his daughter and her friend sang Raga Megh, bringing rain and saving him. The emperor punished the courtiers who had plotted against Tansen.