The district is a part of Vidarbha, which according to the “Mahabharat“ was the Kingdom of Damayanti who was married to Nal. This place also has a mention in “Mahabhasya”, “Yogintantra”, “Bhagwat Puran” and “Brihatsamhita”.

According to the Historical records, the area was ruled by Gonds from the seat at Deogarh in Chhindwarha district. In 1702, Bhakt Buland of Gond dynasty founded the city of Nagpur. Burhan Shah was pobably the last of the Gond Rulers, after which the area passed into the hands of Bhonsale Marathas. The Bhonsale Empire ruled till 1853, when after it was annexed by lord Dalhausie. The district, as at present, was formed in 1854. In 1861, the country with Saugar and Narbada territories was formed into the Central Provinces by Lord Canning, with Nagpur as the Capital.

The district lies between 20 degrees-36' and 21degrees-43' North Latitudes and 78degrees-15' and 79degrees-57' East Longitudes. The district is triangular in shape with Seoni and Chhindwara districts of Madhya Pradesh standing in the North, while there stands in the East the district Bhandara, in the South Chanda and in the south west Wardha, all of Maharashtra. It has covered about 3.24% of the area of the State, the total area being 3834 sq.miles (9930 sq.kilometres).

The district is comprised of 5 sub-divisions or talukas viz. , Nagpur, Katol, Saoner, Ramtek and Umrer.

The Collector as the head is incharge of General Administration, Law and order, treasury, Land revenue and civil supplies. He is assisted by Resident Deputy Collector in his office and by Deputy Collectors who look after different branches. The collector is the District Maginstrate. One of the Deputy Collector is also vested with the magesterial powers and is named as the Additional District Magistrate. A sub-Divisional officer has been put incharge of the administration in each of 5 talukas.

The Sub-Divisional Officer is assisted by the Tahsildar in administrative work. The taluka has been further devided in revenue circles, each being put under the charge of Revenue Inspector.

Beside the Collectorate, there are many other District Offices of various departments, dealing in departmental matters.

A district level body, known as "Zilla Parishad" constituted with the councillors, chosen by elections from electoral divisions, is functioning since 1st May, 1962. The number of such councillors is 44 and there are no nominations. Further, there are 13 Panchayat Samitis at Block level and the Chairman of these Samitis are the ex-officio members of Zilla Parishad. Five associate councillors are also there, representing the five Federal cooperative societies. The Parishad is presided by the Prsident, who is elected amongst the Councillors.

The area under the jurisdiction of the Zilla Parishad is the entire district area, excluding Municipal and Corporation areas. A Panchayat Samiti area correspond to the block area.

The work of the Zilla Parishad is carried out through a set of seven subject commities. For Administration, there is competent machinery headed by the Chief Executive Officer. He has been vested with full administrative powers for carrying out the provisions of the Act and is assisted by officers of various deparetments. The Finance branch of the Zilla Parishad is controlled by the Chief Acounts and Finance Officer and this branch works on the lines of the Finance Department in the State Government.

Nagpur district previously included areas which now are partly in Wardha and partly in Bhandara districts. The area now constituting Wardha district was separated in 1862. There were only four tahsils up-to the year 1908, when a new tahsil was created with head quarters at Saoner. There were no major changes in the boundaries of the district or talukas from 1911 onwards. With the reorganisation of States, the district was transforred from Madhya Pradesh since 1st May 1960. The area of the district is 3834 sq. Miles (9930 sq. Kilometers) and it accounts for 3.24 area of the state.