Memorial of Tansen, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh India

The Memorial of Tansen which is also known as the Tomb of Tansen is a major monument of Gwalior. Tansen Along with his teacher Muhammad Ghaus is buried here. Tansen was the famous musician of Akbar’s court. He was a stalwart of Hindustani music. He is one among the nine gems of Akbar’s court. He lived in 15th century. His teacher was a Sufi saint called Muhammad Ghaus.

Adjacent to the tomb of Ghaus is another small white, austere tomb. This is the memorial dedicated to Tansen, a famed musician, and one of the nine gems of Akbar’s court.

Tansen also followed the Sufi culture. The mythical story behind Tansen is that rain started pouring hearing his rendering of the Megha Malhar raag. The Memorial of Tansen is a specific example of Mugal Architectural style. The prestigious Tansen Music Festival is conducted here every year during Novermber and December in which the great musicians of India participate. 

Tansen, the crowning jewel of Mughal Emperor Akbar's Navaratnas, was said to have divine connection to the music he composed. Legends says that he could make it rain or light candels with his raags and surs. The Memorial of Tansen or 'The Tomb of Tansen' located in Gwalior near the Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus. Tansen was a great follower and a student of the sufi saint, Mahammaed Ghaus who taught him Hindustani classical music and several raagas. Hence, after his death he was buried near his teacher. Tansen was a proponent of the Dhrupad style and he developed the Gwalior Gharana style.

It is a beautiful monument that displays the cultural heritage of Gwalior. An annual festival that is held at national level is organised here at the tomb. It offers a great platform for the young and budding artists as well as maestros to perform at the site.