Which one of the following musicians served at the courts of Raja Man

Which one of the following musicians served at the courts of Raja Man Singh Tomar and Bahadur Shah of Gujarat ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Baiju Bawra” option2=”Tansen” option3=”Lal Kalawant” option4=”Rang Khan Kalawant” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CAPF – 2019

The correct answer is A) Baiju Bawra.

Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior (ruled c. 1486-1516) was a renowned patron of music, particularly the Dhrupad style. Gwalior was a significant center of music during his reign. Baiju Bawra is a legendary figure strongly associated with Gwalior and the court of Raja Man Singh Tomar. Historical accounts and popular legends also link Baiju Bawra to the court of Bahadur Shah of Gujarat (ruled 1526-1535, 1536-1537), mentioning his musical prowess in both regions.

While Tansen (initially named Ramtanu Pandey) was also trained in Gwalior and likely started his career in regional courts (like Rewa), his most famous association was with the court of Emperor Akbar. Lal Kalawant and Rang Khan Kalawant are names associated with the Kalawant lineage of musicians but are not as prominently linked to the courts of both Man Singh Tomar and Bahadur Shah as Baiju Bawra is in historical accounts and legends.

Baiju Bawra is considered one of the giants of Indian classical music during the medieval period. His legacy is particularly strong in the Dhrupad tradition. Legends often portray him as a contemporary or rival of Tansen, showcasing his extraordinary musical abilities through various anecdotal stories.

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