Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, once the seat of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar, is celebrated not only for its architectural grandeur but also for its rich musical heritage. The study 'Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri' presents a unique interpretation of Raga Bilaskhani Todi, encapsulating the principles of dhrupad, a genre of Hindustani classical music developed by Akbar's court musician Mian Tansen. The piece, 'Ragatime,' begins with an alap setting the emotional tone and transitions into an extended improvisation (gat) marked by rhythmic drumming, showcasing subtle musical nuances that distinguish one raga from another. This work underscores the enduring relevance of Tansen’s compositions, which remain influential among contemporary raga performers. By blending traditional musical elements with modern interpretation, 'Ragatime' offers a glimpse into the flourishing music culture at Fatehpur Sikri during Akbar's reign.

Trickett, T. (2017). Ragatime: Glimpses of Akbar’s Court at Fatehpur Sikri. Electronic Workshops in Computing. https://doi.org/10.14236/ewic/eva2017.61