::About-MPBOU::

About the University

The National Policy of Education (NPE) 1986, emphasized that distance education is an important medium for the development and promotion of higher education. In this context, for the expansion and promotion of distance education the Central Advisory Board of Education (CABE), Government of India took an important decision that in the VIII^th year plan every state should establish a state open university following the distance education pattern. On this basis Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University (MPBOU) was established under an Act of State Assembly in 1991.

History

To Extend and Expand Higher Education by reaching the un-reached through various flexible means suited to the open and distance education mode using emerging information and communication technology.
To promote national integration and the integrated development of human personality for the well being of the community.
To determine/maintain standards and promote Distance Education.

About Raja Bhoj

Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University is named to honour the Illustrious King Bhoj a Great Patron of Learning. Raja Bhoj Deva, the most illustrious of the Parmar rulers of Malwa, was one of the greatest kings of ancient India. He ranks with the legendary Vikramaditiya of Ujjayani. In fact, both the names had gathered vast wealth of legend and knowledge around them. Bhojadeva's name became a household word in India not only as a soldier, but also as a builder, a scholar, an author and a great patron of learning. To honour his greatness in learning and significant contributions through education to the society, the Madhya Pradesh Government decided to establish Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University at Bhopal. The Parmars, who gained power and prestige under Munja and Sindhuraja, rose to imperial rank during the reign of Raja Bhoj. He ruled for a long period over a vast kingdom. He ascended the throne approximately in 1010 A.D. This is known from the Modasa copper plate inscription. He reigned till 1055 A.D. He was a great warrior and carried his sword to the four corners of India.

Due to the love for learning of Raja Bhoj and other Parmar Kings, scholars from all parts of the country used to flock here, hold discussions, prepare books and receive adequate financial help and honour. Raja Bhoj was so respected by the scholars that they conferred many titles on him. In 1043 A.D., Raja Bhoj established the famous university at Dhar for sanskrit studies, which is well known as the Bhojshala. The Bhojshala attracted scholars from all parts of the country. The famous statue of Vagadevi (Goddess of Speech) was installed here during his reign. It was executed in 1034 A.D. by the famous sculptor, Manthala. The goddess is in abhang pose and is in the British Museum, at present. The emblem of Bhoj university is dedicated to the memory of Goddess of Speech, and Learning Vagadevi.

The King Bhoj was a unique combination of a warrior and literary personality. A number of subjects including grammar, astronomy, alankara (poetics), architecture, religion and philosophy were taught in Bhojshala. Authorship of many authoritative books on various subjects are ascribed to him. He enunciated principles of art, architecture and vastushastra in his famous treatise Samarangarasutradhara and navigation, ship-building and marine engineering in Yuktikalpatru.