The university was established in 1964 by the name ‘Indore University’ which was later changed to ‘Devi Ahilya University’ as a tribute to the popular queen of the city “Her Highness Devi Ahilyabai Holkar” of the Holkar dynasty in the 18th century. The university has 28 post graduate departments on the city campus and about 120 affiliated colleges located in seven districts.