Tag: Bilas Khan

The tombs of Mohammad Ghaus, Miyaan Tansen and Bilas Khan

As the nature sings ‘Miyaan ki Malhaar‘ this morning in Delhi, we bring to you, from Gwalior, the serenity and grandeur of the final resting place of the great musician MIYAAN TANSEN, his son BILAS KHAN (“Bilaskhani Todi” .. remember?) and his spiritual master MOHAMMAD GHAUS!

Noteworthy is the jaali work made with stone carvings, the grand royal graveyard, the Sufi shrine and also the Imli tree which, as popularly believed, often cured TANSEN’s sweet voice 🙂 Hope you’ll like this episode of our Heritage trail in Gwalior! There’s more to come in subsequent episodes! Blessings for al!

Tomb of Muhammad Ghaus and Tansen’s Memorial @ Gwalior, India

Recently visited this sandstone mausoleum of a sufi saint Shaikh Muhammad Ghaus designed on early Mughal architecture. A pleasant revealation that happened during our visit was that right next to this tomb lies the memorial dedicated to Miyaan Tansen – one of the most prominent Hindustani Classical musicians and a God figure for several musicians from this sub-continent! Shaikh Muhamad Ghaus was the Sufi master of Miyaan Tansen. Also, next to the place where this great musician rests in peace is the burial of Bilas Khan, Tansen‘s son who, as per a popular legend, is credited to have created the raaga “Bilaskhaani Todi“. It is said that Bilas composed the raga while grief-stricken at the wake itself, and that Tansen‘s corpse moved one hand in approval of the new melody!! It was a unique experience to be there 🙂

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