Banda District can boast of a rich history going back to the remote antiquity. The stone implements and other remains found here prove the ancient history of Banda District. In prehistoric times the region seems to have been inhabited by primitive people, the Adivasis. As per the history of Banda District, the earliest known traditional ruler of this region was Yayati and the region was later named as Chedi-Desha.
Further, history of Banda District states that around 4th century BC, this region seems to have been occupied by Nanda Empire of Magadh, which later formed the territory under Mauryan Empire till Ashoka`s death. Kushanas too ruled over this tract of land. The present district of Banda also shared the fruits of golden age under Gupta Empire and contributed towards peace and prosperity of central India. This region was later named Jejakbhukti or Jajhoti. For a short while this region was annexed by the Huns and then under Panduvamsi king Udayan. When famous king Harshavardhan (606 AD - 647 AD) established his supremacy over north India, this region was a part of this dominion. Lodi-sultans did occupy Kalinjar for a short while. After the death of Akbar, the region again became independent under local chiefs.
As per the history of Banda District, the treaty of Bassein in 1803 brought Banda legally under British rule although Nawabs of Banda resisted their entry throughout. It was in 1812 that Kalinjar came under British occupation. In March 1819 Banda town was made the headquarters of the newly created southern Bundelkhand District. The inhabitants of Banda District inspired by the incoming freedom fighters from eastern districts actively took part in the freedom struggle of the country. After facing great oppositions, British officers left Banda and Nawab declared himself to be independent. Subsequently, Nawab of Banda region not only organized his governance in Banda but also assisted the revolutionary efforts elsewhere in Bundelkhand. However, the British troops soon plundered Banda after defeating Nawab`s army.
Mahatma Gandhi`s non-cooperation movement (1920) had a huge impact in the district. Mahatma Gandhi visited Banda in the year 1929. In 1930, civil disobedience movement started in Banda along with the rest of the country. On August 8, 1942 Quit India Movement was launched. Thus, the historical accounts suggest that Banda District played a significant role in the freedom struggle of India. In 1998, a new district, Chitrakoot was constituted with two tehsils namely Karwi and Mau. Banda District remained with four tehsils namely Banda, Baberu, Atarra and Naraini.
