From imitation animal sounds to igninting a fire with his song – Tansen’s genious was unmatched. His voice was so much in demand that wily patrons used it to gain political advantage. Such a talent could win loyal friends and a beautiful wife, but it could also make other viciously jealous. In Emperor Akbar’s court, he was a jewel more precious than the demands and pearls that were showerd on him, and remain to this day a singing symbol of classical Indian music.