Tansen Samman is a prestigious Indian classical music award instituted by the government of which state?

Introduction / Context:
Tansen Samman is an important cultural award in India named after the legendary musician Tansen, who was one of the Navaratna in the court of Mughal emperor Akbar. Questions on such awards test awareness of Indian states and their role in promoting art and culture, particularly classical music and heritage festivals.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award is called Tansen Samman.
• It is a prestigious Indian classical music award.
• We must identify which state government instituted this honour.

Concept / Approach:
Tansen is closely associated with Gwalior, which is in the state of Madhya Pradesh. The government of Madhya Pradesh organises the Tansen Music Festival at Gwalior and confers the Tansen Samman on outstanding musicians. Therefore, the award is linked to Madhya Pradesh rather than other states that also have rich musical traditions, such as Uttar Pradesh or Maharashtra.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall the historical association of Tansen with the region of Gwalior. Step 2: Note that Gwalior lies in the present day state of Madhya Pradesh. Step 3: Remember that Madhya Pradesh government conducts the annual Tansen Music Festival. Step 4: Connect this festival with the Tansen Samman award given to eminent musicians. Step 5: Choose Madhya Pradesh and eliminate other states that do not run this particular award.

Verification / Alternative check:
Another way to verify is to recall that Madhya Pradesh has several cultural awards, including Kalidas Samman for arts and Tansen Samman for music. These awards are part of the state effort to honour classical heritage. No such direct linkage exists between Tansen Samman and states like Gujarat or Maharashtra, which confirms that Madhya Pradesh is the correct answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maharashtra: Although it has a rich musical culture and hosts many festivals, the specific Tansen Samman is not a Maharashtra government award.
Gujarat: This state is not historically associated with Tansen and does not sponsor this particular Samman.
Uttar Pradesh: While important in Tansen biography, since he was born near the region, the official state award named Tansen Samman is not instituted by this state government.
Rajasthan: Also known for cultural festivals, but it is not responsible for this specific classical music honour.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes assume Uttar Pradesh because of Tansen birthplace or general association with North Indian music schools. Others may guess randomly among large states. To avoid mistakes, link the award to the modern state that steadily promotes it through a recognised annual festival, which is Madhya Pradesh.

Final Answer:
Tansen Samman has been instituted by the government of Madhya Pradesh.