Previous Year Question

Mughal Emperor Muhammad Shah ruled from 1719 to 1748 CE. Because of his particular interest in art and music, he became famous as Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’.

During his reign, North Indian music received significant courtly patronage. Famous musicians such as Sadarang and Adarang were associated with his court and made important contributions particularly to the development of Khayal singing.

Within this musical environment, folk-based forms such as Tappa also found a place in courtly music and underwent refinement.

The origin of Tappa is generally associated with the folk songs of camel drivers of Punjab. Its singing is characterised by rapid movement, short and intricate Tans and quick fluctuations of notes.

Tappa developed from a folk melody into a distinctive form of North Indian semi-classical music. In the later tradition, Mian Ghulam Nabi Shori or Shori Mian further developed and systematised its form.

Here, the initial courtly refinement during the period of Muhammad Shah and the subsequent further development by Shori Mian should be understood separately. The question refers to its refinement and development in the Mughal court.