State PCS - Madhya Pradesh (MP PCS)

• 27 Jun 2025

Tomb of Tansen

Why in News? 

The Madhya Pradesh High Court dismissed a plea to allow religious and cultural activities at Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus’s tomb in Gwalior, stressing the need to protect the monument. 

• The grave of Tansen, the legendary musician of Emperor Akbar’s court, is located on the premises of the monument.

Key Points 

• High Court’s Observation: 
  • The Madhya Pradesh High Court reaffirmed that the tomb housing both Tansen and Hazrat Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus (a revered Sufi saint),  is a protected monument of national importance under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. 
    • The court stressed that the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and district administration are responsible for maintaining the site’s integrity. 
• About the Tomb:
  • The tomb was constructed after the death of Sufi saint Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus and stands as one of the most remarkable monuments from Emperor Akbar’s reign (1556–1605). 
  • The tomb anticipates several features that later became common in Mughal architecture, particularly in eastern India. 
    • The tomb has a square layout with a large, squat dome and flanking chhatris, giving it a layered, multi-tiered look. 
    • A veranda surrounds the central chamber, adorned with finely carved stone jalis (screens), reflecting the architectural influence of Gujarat. 
  • The design elements of this tomb influenced later Mughal-era structures, including the renowned tomb of Shaikh Salim Chishti at Fatehpur Sikri. 
• About Tansen: 
  • Tansen was born around 1500 CE, in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. He later became one of the most influential figures in North Indian classical music. 
    • Sufi tradition describes Tansen as a disciple of Sheikh Muhammad Ghaus. 
  • He earned fame for his dhrupad compositions and mastery over ragas, which are melodic frameworks designed to evoke specific moods or elements of nature. 
    • Legends claim his singing could perform miracles—such as calming wild animals, mimicking natural sounds like birds and lions, and even altering the time of day. 
  • Tansen joined the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who deeply valued artistic talent and patronised many great minds of the era. 
    • He was among the celebrated navratnas or “nine gems” of Akbar’s court, a group of distinguished scholars and artists. 
    • In recognition of his exceptional musical talent, Akbar bestowed upon him the title Mian, meaning “Master.” 
  • Tansen died around 1586 or 1589 and was buried in Gwalior.

Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) Act, 1958  

• The aim of the act is to protect and preserve ancient monuments for future generations. 
  • It applies to monuments over 100 years old in public or private ownership. 
• Prohibits construction or alteration around ancient monuments without National Monuments Authority (NMA) approval. 
  • NMA established in accordance with the AMASR Act is responsible for the conservation and preservation of monuments and sites (and banned/restricted areas surrounding centrally designated monuments). 
  • NMA is responsible for implementing the AMASR Act and granting permission for construction or developmental activity within protected and regulated areas. 
• The protected area is a 100-metre radius around the monument, with a regulated area extending up to 200 metres beyond that. 
  • Current restrictions prohibit construction within 100-metre radius of protected monuments and have strict regulations for permits in an additional 200-metre radius.