Barhgarh, one of the westernmost districts Orissa, functionally came into existence on 1st April 1993. However it was in the post independence period, Barhgarh came into limelight, with the status of the separate administrative unit of Orissa.

History of Bargarh District:
As the history of Barhgarh is concerned, the entire tract of present Barhgarh survived as "Baghar Kota" in the early 11th century A.D. The Baghar Kota came to be known as "Barhgarh" probably from the reign of the Balaram Deo. The historical records of Barhgarh are documented from the time when Balaram Deo established his capital city at Barhgarh and erected a fort for the protection of the town. After Balaram Deo, the kingdom of Barhgarh has passed in several hands experiencing continuous upheavals. The last Chauhan King, Raja Narayan Singh has granted this place as "Maufi", locally called free hold to the Brahmin brothers Krushna Dash and Narayan Dash, son of Baluki Dash, who was assassinated by the Gonds on the occasion of their rebellion against the king.

The history of Barhgarh depicts the fact that there had been a continuous strife between the rulers to occupy the land. Another part of the district, Barhgarh is known as Borasamber, which was under the administrative jurisdiction of the Zamindars and extend about 2178 sq.km. Later the headquarters are shifted to Padampur, one of the present sub divisional zones. The Zamindary belongs to Binjhal family and they continued to be the sovereign authority till the era of the British supremacy creeps up in the pages of the history of Barhgarh.