Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University is a state public university located in Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India. The university is dedicated to higher education and research in the fields of music, performing arts, fine arts, and allied disciplines. It is named after Raja Man Singh Tomar, the 15th–16th century ruler of Gwalior who is widely regarded as a pioneering patron of Hindustani classical music and is associated with the development of the Dhrupad style.
| Name | Raja Mansingh Tomar Music & Arts University |
|---|---|
| Type | State public university |
| Location | Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India |
| Named after | Raja Man Singh Tomar of Gwalior |
| Focus areas | Music, dance, drama, fine arts |
| Jurisdiction | Government of Madhya Pradesh |
Gwalior has long been a centre of Indian classical music, recognised as the seat of the Gwalior gharana, one of the oldest and most influential schools of Hindustani vocal music. The decision to establish a dedicated state university for music and arts in Gwalior reflects this cultural heritage. The institution was created by the Government of Madhya Pradesh as a specialised university to consolidate teaching, research, examination, and certification in the performing and visual arts within the state.
The university offers programmes in disciplines that include:
It functions both as a teaching university and as an affiliating body for arts colleges and institutions across Madhya Pradesh, conducting examinations and awarding degrees, diplomas, and certificates in arts disciplines.
As one of the few state universities in India devoted exclusively to music and the performing arts, the institution plays a distinctive role in formal arts education. By being situated in Gwalior, it draws upon a regional tradition that includes the legacy of Raja Man Singh Tomar, the Tansen heritage, and the annual Tansen Samaroh, all of which contribute to the city's identity as a hub of classical music.