Tomb of Tansen

A pillar of Hindustani classical music, the great Tansen, the musician extraordinaire of Akbar's Court, lies buried in Gwalior. The beautiful garden, in which the tomb is located, is the venue of the annual music festival held during November-December. Distinct personalities from abroad also visit and rejoice music.

Gwalior is also renowned for the tomb of Tansen, the musician extraordinaire of Akbar's Court (one of his 'nau ratan', nine jewels). Gwalior retains a strong musical tradition, and continues to be an influential force in Hindustani classical music. Tansen, an exponent of the Dhrupad style, went on to evolve the Gwalior Gharana style, whose contemporary exponent is the globally renowned Sarod player, Amjad Ali Khan.

The memorial to this great musician has a pristine simplicity about it, built in the early Moghul architectural style. More than a monument, the tomb is part of Gwalior's living cultural heritage. Leading musicians of the country gather here to give performances during the festival.