Before 1811, the district was the state of Chanderi, and ruled by Bundela Rajputs descended from the kings of Orchha. Chanderi was annexed in 1811 by Maharaja Daulat Rao Sindhia of neighboring Gwalior in 1811. In 1844, the district was ceded to the British by Maharaja Jayajirao Sindhia of Gwalior, and the revenue from the district used to maintain a British force in Gwalior. Lalitpur was the administrative headquarters of the district.
