MP forgets Tansen's 'gurubhai' Baiju Bawra

Bhopal, Nov 30 (UNI) 'Sangeet Samrat' Tansen is remembered every year in Madhya Pradesh in the form of 'Tansen Samaroh' but his contemporary and 'gurubhai' Baiju Bawra has been forgotten.

The state culture department has instituted 'Tansen Samman', carrying Rs one lakh case prize and a citation, for excellence in Hindustani classical music in the memory of the 16th century musician.

Eminent classical singer Sulochana Brihaspati has been selected for the award for 2006-07. The award would be conferred during 'Tansen Samaroh' to be held at Gwalior tomorrow.

It is a strange coincidence that Tansen -- born at Behat in Gwalior of Madhya Pradesh -- and Pandit Baijnath alias Baiju Bawra -- born in Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh -- had learnt music under the guidance of Swami Haridas and both used to sing in Gwalior's Raja Man Singh Tomar's court.

Legend has it that Tansen, who was one of the nine gems in Mughal Emperor Akbar's court, was challenged and defeated by Baiju Bawra, who proved his musical prowess.

In the musical competition that took place near Agra, Tansen called a group of deer by singing raga 'Todi' and garlanded one of the deer. In reply, Baiju rendered raga 'Mrigranjini' and the group of deer returned. Baiju took the garland back.

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