Swami Haridas is often said to be the incarnation of Lalita Sakhi, a dear and close friend of Radha, Swami Haridas is famously known as saint musician of North India. He is solely appreciated and credited for composing numerous devotional songs and Dhrupad music, apart from launching new technique of music. Apparently, Swami Haridas is the guru of the famous musician Tansen. He is recognized for having establishing the Haridasi School of Mysticism. He played a pivotal force in spread of Dhrupad music. It was his soulful language and melodious voice that inspired many people.

Early Life of Swami Haridas
Swami Haridas was born in the year 1480 AD in Rajpur near Brindavanam in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Name of his parents were Gangadhar, a Saraswat Brahmin from Multan, and Chitra Devi. Ashudharji was his guru in classical music. He became a sanyasi at age of 25 and came to Brindavanam, where he built his hermitage in Nidhuvan and sang his own compositions dedicated to the immortal love of Radha-Krishna. He was a passionate follower of `Nimbarka Sampradaya`, the major Vaisnava tradition. He died in Haridaspur (Aligarh), 1575 AD.

Career of Swami Haridas
Swami Haridas, during the early part of his career was greatly supported by Raja Mansingh Tomar of Gwalior who was one of the front line promoters of dhrupad. Raja Mansingh Tomar immensely helped him to make wonderful compositions. He was also greatly impressed by Bhanu, Bakshu and Baiju, the popular musicians in the courts. Almost all songs by Haridas were composed in `Brij` language, and those compositions are named as `Vishnupadas`, songs praising Lord Vishnu and his eighth incarnation Lord Krishna. In "Vishnupadas" the songs which do not praise Lord Krishna, are not recognized. He was very similar with the music of those times. Swami Haridas, apart from being a saint, was also a well-known teacher of Tansen, the famous musician in the court of Emperor Akbar. He is considered to be a genius because of his simple composition skills and simplicity of the making.

Contribution of Swami Haridas to Music
Swami Haridas is credited with nearly 128 songs, out of which 110 are spiritual or devotional called "Keli Mala" and 18 are philosophical known as `Siddhanta Pada`. There are also songs which depicts the eternal love of Radha-Krishna. The songs demonstrate illustrates complete devotion to God and separation from natural life. It is also known that he penned tirvats, ragamalas, and many other forms. He is also known for his works of stringed instruments, such as Aghouti and Kinnari, and of drums, like Mridangam and Daff.

Swami Haridas died in the year 1575 AD at Haridaspur, Aligarh.