Khairagarh Music University Renamed as Rajkumari Indira Singh Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya

May 24, 2026 : The renowned music university in Khairagarh has officially been renamed as “Rajkumari Indira Singh Kala Sangeet Vishwavidyalaya” following approval from the Chhattisgarh government. The decision has been welcomed with enthusiasm by the university community and residents of the town, while the university administration and members of the royal family expressed gratitude to the state government for the move.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Lovely Sharma said the renaming honours the historical and cultural legacy of the royal family that played a key role in establishing the institution. She stated that there had long been confusion regarding the university’s original founders, leaving many unaware of the contribution made by the royal family. The new name, she said, would help remove these misconceptions and ensure due recognition for the family’s role in promoting education and social welfare.

Established in 1956, the university is located in Khairagarh in Chhattisgarh and is regarded as Asia’s first university fully dedicated to music, dance, fine arts and theatre. The institution, popularly known as RISKSV, imparts higher education in various disciplines of performing and visual arts and functions under the chancellorship of the Governor of Chhattisgarh.

The university was founded after the then rulers of the princely state of Khairagarh, Raja Birendra Bahadur Singh and Rani Padmavati Devi Singh, donated their ancestral palace to establish a university of music and fine arts in memory of their daughter, Princess Indira. The palace, which still houses the main portion of the university, is considered one of the finest examples of blended architectural style. The university was formally inaugurated on October 14, 1956.

Over the decades, the institution has emerged as a major centre for artistic and cultural education in India. It offers teaching and research programmes through multiple faculties and affiliated departments in Indian music, dance, theatre and visual arts. The university has consistently worked towards preserving and promoting traditional art forms while balancing modern artistic practices.

The institution was accredited with an ‘A’ Grade by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) in 2014 in recognition of its academic and cultural contributions. It also became the first and only university in India to be represented as a state tableau during the Republic Day Parade at Rajpath in New Delhi.

Apart from academics, the university is also involved in community outreach initiatives through its Lifelong Learning Department and NSS units. It conducts short-term courses and vocational training programmes in nearby villages, focusing on music, painting and skill development, while also spreading awareness on education, sanitation and socio-economic development.

Dr. Sharma credited Governor and Chancellor Ramen Deka for his guidance and acknowledged the seriousness with which the state government pursued the proposal. She also highlighted the contribution of Assistant Professor Dr. Mangalanand Jha, who played an important role in compiling the necessary documents and records during the renaming process.

Members of the royal family, including Raja Aryavrat Singh, expressed their gratitude to Governor Ramen Deka, the Chhattisgarh government, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Lovely Sharma for the decision. The Vice-Chancellor described the development as a proud moment for the entire university fraternity.