Previous Year Question
Who among the following kings had given patronage of Tansen before Akbar?
Raja Ramchandra Singh of Bhata
Rajbahadur of Malwa
Uday Singh of Mewar
Muzaffar Shah of Gujarat
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
Before joining the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, Tansen was associated with the court of Raja Ramchandra. Raja Ramchandra Baghel was a powerful ruler of the Baghelkhand region and his rule was associated with the Bandhogarh-Rewa region.
Raja Ramchandra is considered to have ruled approximately from 1555 to 1592 CE. He was a contemporary of Akbar and was also known for his patronage of music and art.
Tansen acquired a distinguished position as a musician in the court of Raja Ramchandra. His reputation for musical excellence subsequently reached the Mughal court.
Later, Akbar summoned Tansen from the court of Raja Ramchandra to his own court. After entering the Mughal court, Tansen became one of Akbar's most celebrated court musicians.
Tansen is also traditionally counted among Akbar's Navaratnas. He occupied an important place in the tradition of Dhrupad music, and several Ragas and musical traditions came to be associated with his name.
Therefore, among the given rulers, Raja Ramchandra Singh of Bhata was the ruler who patronised Tansen before Akbar.