During the reign of Mughal emperor Akbar, which legendary musician was appointed as his principal court musician at the imperial court.

Introduction / Context:
The Mughal emperor Akbar is known not only for administrative and military achievements but also for his patronage of arts and culture. Music, painting, and literature flourished at his court. Among his famous Navaratnas or nine jewels, one of the most celebrated figures was the musician Tansen. This question tests knowledge of Akbar cultural policy by asking which person served as the principal court musician, a role that symbolises the high status of classical music in the Mughal court.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The ruler mentioned is Akbar, the great Mughal emperor. • The question refers to the post of court musician. • Options include a mix of ministers, scholars, and one legendary musician. • We assume the student knows at least some of Akbar nine jewels.

Concept / Approach:
The correct approach is to identify the person known primarily for musical excellence among Akbar close associates. Abul Fazal was a court historian and author of the Akbarnama and Ain i Akbari. Raja Birbal was a witty Hindu noble and advisor. Raja Todar Mal was Akbar finance minister and architect of revenue reforms. Mian Tansen, on the other hand, was a master of Hindustani classical music and is traditionally regarded as Akbar chief court musician. Many legends speak of his magical control over ragas.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Focus on the phrase court musician in the question stem. Step 2: Recall that Tansen was already famous in the court of Raja Ramchandra of Rewa before being invited to Akbar court. Step 3: Recognise that Akbar valued Tansen talent so highly that he appointed him as the chief musician in the imperial court. Step 4: Look at the options. Abul Fazal was a historian and official, Birbal was known for wit and counsel, and Todar Mal for finance, not for music. Step 5: Hence, conclude that Mian Tansen is the only suitable answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Standard art and culture sections of history books clearly state that Tansen was Akbar favourite musician and one of the Navaratnas. Many exam preparation books ask direct questions like Tansen was in the court of which Mughal emperor or Who was the greatest musician in Akbar time, and the answer is always Tansen. Abul Fazal is associated with chronicles, Birbal with diplomacy and humour, and Todar Mal with revenue, which reinforces that Tansen alone fits the role of principal court musician.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Abul Fazal: He was Akbar trusted court historian and author of important Persian works, but he was not a musician. Raja Birbal: Famous for his clever conversations and close relationship with Akbar, but he is remembered as a courtier, not as a professional musician. Raja Todar Mal: Known for land revenue reforms and measurement based assessment, he served as finance minister, not as a musician in the court. Amir Khusrau: A great poet and musician of the Delhi Sultanate period, associated with Alauddin Khilji, not with the Mughal emperor Akbar.

Common Pitfalls:
Some students mistakenly think of Amir Khusrau because he is strongly linked with Hindustani music and Sufi culture, but his timeline belongs to the Delhi Sultanate, not the Mughal era of Akbar. Another confusion is between different members of the Navaratnas, mixing their functions. To avoid this, remember a simple association: Tansen music, Todar Mal revenue, Abul Fazal history, Birbal wit. Keeping such one word connections helps retain roles clearly.

Final Answer:
The legendary musician who served as the principal court musician of Akbar was Mian Tansen.