Tansen, who was included in the Navaratnas of Akbar, was an expert in playing which of the following musical instruments?

The correct answer is Rabab.Key Points

• Tansen, one of the Navaratnas of Akbar's court, was a notable figure in Hindustani classical music.
• He was an exceptional vocalist and is also known for his expertise in playing the Rudra Veena or "Rabab" an ancient Indian string instrument.

Additional InformationAkbar's Navaratnas, or Nine Jewels, were a group of nine talented individuals at the court of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. Each of them was well known for their respective skills and contributions. They were:

• Abul Fazl (also known as Allami): The full name of Abul Fazl is Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak. He was one of the most important historians during the reign of Akbar. His most known writings are the Akbarnama and the Ain-i-Akbari. Akbarnama is a historical account of Akbar's reign, and Ain-i-Akbari is a detailed document recording the administration of the empire.
• Faizi (or Shaikh Faiz): His real name was Shaikh Faizi Sirhindi. He was a brilliant poet and scholar. He is known for his poetry collection called "Taskeen-e-ruh-o-dil" and also his interpretation of ancient texts.
• Raja Birbal (originally named Mahesh Das): He was a poet and musician, admired for his quick wit, intelligence and his keen sense of humor. Among his notable contributions are the Birbal stories, popular folklore that's been passed down generations.
• Raja Todar Mal (Todar Mall): He was a finance minister (Diwan-i-Ashraff) who undertook innovative measures like standardizing land measurements to improve the revenue system. He doesn't have any known books or musical contributions.
• Tansen (originally named Ramtanu Pandey): He was associated with the Dhrupad style and a pioneer of Indian classical music. He composed many ragas which are still in use today.
• Raja Man Singh (Man Singh I): He led many successful military campaigns for Emperor Akbar. He was influential in the administration and politics.
• Abdul Rahim Khan-I-Khana (Rahim): He is known for his 'dohas' or couplings in Hindi. He is also known for translating Babar's memoirs, Baburnama from Chagatai language to Persian.
• Fakir Aziao-Din: He was one of the chief advisors to Akbar and was highly respected for his wisdom and spirituality. 
• Mullah Do Piaza: His contributions are mainly in the form of folklore, with stories about his wisdom and wit being highlighted in Mughal anecdotes.