English Notes Chapter 3.2 – The Song of Songs Class 8 Maharashtra Board

1. Summary of the Chapter

The chapter is a story about Emperor Akbar and his famous court musician, Tansen. Akbar greatly admires Tansen’s singing but is surprised when Tansen tells him that someone sings even better than him. This person is Sant Haridas, Tansen’s guru.

Akbar wishes to hear Sant Haridas sing and asks him to come to his court. However, Tansen tells him that Sant Haridas will not sing for wealth or power. Determined, Akbar decides to go to Sant Haridas himself, disguised as an ordinary music lover.

At Sant Haridas’s hut, the saint initially refuses to sing. To make him sing, Tansen deliberately makes a mistake while performing. Seeing this, Sant Haridas corrects him and begins singing. His music is so divine and pure that both Akbar and Tansen are mesmerized.

On their way back, Akbar asks Tansen why he cannot sing like his guru. Tansen humbly explains that he sings to please the emperor, while Sant Haridas sings for God, making his music truly divine.

2. Important Characters

1. Tansen – A famous court musician in Akbar’s court, known for his extraordinary singing talent.
2. Emperor Akbar – The ruler of Hindustan, a great patron of music, and an admirer of Tansen.
3. Sant Haridas – Tansen’s music guru, a saint who sings only for God.

3. Important Events

1. Tansen sings for Emperor Akbar – Akbar praises him but learns that someone sings better than him.
2. Akbar’s curiosity – He insists on hearing this unknown musician.
3. Tansen takes Akbar to Sant Haridas – They visit Sant Haridas’s hut in disguise.
4. Sant Haridas refuses to sing – He says he is too old to sing.
5. Tansen tricks his guru – He makes a mistake while singing, forcing Sant Haridas to correct him.
6. Sant Haridas’s divine music – His singing captivates Akbar and Tansen.
7. Tansen’s realization – He explains that his guru’s music is special because it is dedicated to God.

4. Key Themes & Moral Lessons

1. The power of devotion – Sant Haridas’s music is divine because it is sung for God.
2. Humility and respect for teachers – Tansen acknowledges that his guru is a greater musician than him.
3. True art comes from the heart – Music sung with pure devotion is superior to music sung for fame or power.
4. Akbar’s open-mindedness – Unlike other rulers, Akbar values true talent and is willing to learn.

5. Word Meanings