The present Bankura district is the heart of the ancient Summha area of Mahabharat or Rarh or Larh of the old Jain Acharanga- sutra. Rarh Desh was described to have two areas, namely, Bajjabhumi and Summhabhumi. In the Buddhist Jatakas also there is mention of Summhabhumi. The present district of Bankura has the districts of Purulia, Burdwan, Hooghly and Midnapore at her borders.

The district lies in between the hills and terrains of Chotanagpur and Santal Parganas in Bihar on one side and the alluvial fertile land of Bengal on the other. The physiographical features of this district are partially available in the bordering districts of Midnapur and Purulia.

Excursion
Though the place has very little historical significance, there are a number of temples and places which are noteworthy.

The Raghunath Mandir, built in 1639 with terracotta sculpture, the Ekteshwar Mandir, the Methodist Missionary Church and the Christian College are some of them.

Mukutmanipur, Bishnupur, Jhilmil are the main spots of attraction.

Traditional Crafts
A district with high percentage of tribal population, Bankura is famous for music, art (the famous terracotta Bankura horse) and culture.