By Kornika (26th February, 2008)
At the peak of summer when maximum temperatures in Agra hover around 47
degree,an estimated of 15000 people visit the wondrous Taj Mahal every day.
As the weather turns, the number swells to a staggering 30000. Long queue in
front of entrance, spot people from every sections. Even the people living
nearby, view the mob from their balconies. Agra fort on the other hand, an
imposing ramparts of which encircle buildings raised by four great Mughal
emperors-Akbar,Jehangir,Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb was a mute witness of
evolution of Mughal architecture from the robust style, which
characteristics the reign of Akbar to the fine elegance associated with Shah
Jahan.
The city association with music harks back to Mughal times and may be,
earlier. The frequent depiction of the naubat, the musical ensemble, in
Mughal paintings reveals that music was very much a part of Mughal life and
central to the Mughal court. The naubat was housed in the naqqarkhana, the
drum house,situated at the height in the imperial palace.
The naubat performed on a variety of occasions. Its musicians were
timekeepers,marking the passing of the day. They played when the emperor
made his daily presence before his subjects,they heralded processions,were
used for signaling in battle,provided accompaniment for female dancers in
the harem and were indispensable part of celebrations,which marked the birth
of heir,marriages and other festivals.
Akbar and Jehangir were both lovers of music. Apart from the naubat, there
were 36 musicians in Akbar’s court including Tansen,Baiju Bawra and
Guru Haridas, but Tansen alone was among the famous “nine jewels”
of the court. He was famed for his dhurpad style. He is acknowledged most
illustrious musicians of medieval India, with voice so evocative that,
according to legend, once he sang a midnight raga at noon,darkness encircled
the palace.
The patronage given to musicians in the Mughal court must have played a
major role in Agra gharana. It is still controversial about the origin of
gharana. Some scholar think its origin dates to the thirteenth century, or
to Haji Sujaan Khan, who is believed to have been a contemporary of Tansen’s
and one of the Akbar’s durbar musicians. Today the musicians of the
Agra gharana have dispersed throughout northern India and though the gharana
is very alive, its link with Agra is severed.
Related Guide Links
Agra
Agra Fort
Fatehpur Sikri
Taj Mahal
Indian Cultural Traditions
Bharatnatyam
Kathak
