It is one of India's oldest universities, as well as the second-oldest in Maharashtra.

It is named after Rashtrasant Tukdoji Maharaj, a spiritual leader, orator, and musician from Vidarbha.

[1] The university is composed of the Faculties of Arts & Humanities, Science, Social Sciences, Home Science, Medicine, Commerce, Education, Engineering & Technology, Law, and Ayurveda, consisting of 39 Postgraduate teaching departments (PGTD) and two constituent colleges (the Law College and the College of Education).

[7] The departments and college buildings are spread over seven campuses with an overall area of 327 acres.

Its jurisdiction extends over 4 districts – Bhandara, Gondia, Nagpur and Wardha.