Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya and Culture Minister Laxmikant Sharma gave the award to the 58-year-old singer at the Nehru Stadium here last evening.
Hariharan, who is the 28th recipient of the award, was given Rs two lakh cash, honour plaque, shawl and a coconut.
The singer is known for his famous renditions in Hindi films like 'Roja', 'Bombay', 'Jeans', 'Indian', 'Taal', 'Shivaji', 'Guru', 'Border' and 'Virasat'.
He has also lent his voice for various Malayalam, Tamil, Kannada, Marathi, Bhojpuri and Telugu films and is considered one of the pioneers of Indian fusion music.