[3][4] The Institute finds its origin in the Marris College of Music,[5] established in 1926 by renowned classical singer and musicologist, Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande and Rai Umanath Bali with the help of Dr. Raja Rai Rajeshwar Bali (OBE, Ex MLC), taluqdar ruler of Rampur-Dariyabad state (U.P.)

and then Minister of Education, Medical Relief & Public Health and Local Self-Government (UP Assembly) of United Provinces, the institution was formally inaugurated by then Governor of United Provinces, Sir William Sinclair Marris,[6] and was also named after him.

Some of the memorable concerts, that included performances by stars like Ravi Shankar, Amjad Ali Khan, Ustad Zakir Hussain, N Rajam, V.J Jog, Sitara Devi, etc.

During the same period various new courses, like "Thumri" (singer Mrs. Begum Akhtar was the honorary faculty), were introduced.

[9] In 2022 it was upgraded into a teaching and affiliating state University, and name was changed into Bhatkhande Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya.