Many scholars say that Monsoon ragas were composed by court musicians and then dancers and painters adopted these for their art. The jewel among such musicians was unquestionably Tansen (1506-1589) who was counted among the Navaratnas – nine gems – at Emperor Akbar’s court. Tansen mastered all ragas and created his own Monsoon melodies which are a proud part of India’s music heritage even today. Legend says that he could actually initiate rains when he sang Monsoon ragas like Megh, Megh Malhar or his own composition Mian Ki Malhar. Tansen and the great poet-saint Surdas were close friends and shared their music mastery. Surdas created the Monsoon raga Sur Malhar. His father Ramdas, a learned musician, contributed Ramdasi Malhar to the rich cornucopia of music! Many more Monsoon ragas found expression during this creative age. These were: Madhu Malhar, Mishra Mel Malhar, Dhulia Malhar and of course the gentler Goud Malhar! There were also several varieties of Malkauns, Sarang, Des and other ragas which were specific to the Monsoon.
Posted on: Sun, 13 Jul 2014 03:59:57 +0000
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