Historically, Debagarh was once the capital of Bamanda or Bamra which was the princely state of British. Raja Shri Basudeb Sudhal Deb contributed a lot to spread Nationalism in the people of the region. Mathara Royal Family, Ganga Rulers ruled over the region. It gained development in all fields during the period of Raja Basudev Sudhal Dev. The establishment of hydro-electric system helped to the cloth loom and Sugar factory. The rule of Britishers was one of the darkest periods in its history with no major development to recall in the future.
Geographically, the district has a total 2,940 sq kms. area and occupies the rank 23rd in State and 398 in India on the bases of this size. It lies at 21°53'N latitude, 84°73'E longitude and 762 m altitude. In the year 2019, there was a total 50.24% forest area of total geographical area. The district of Debagarh is bounded by Angul district on its east and south, Sambalpur district on its west and Sundargarh district on its north. The climate of the district is extremely hot in the summers and fairly cold in the winters. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 1495.0 mm in the year of 2019-2020.
Administration wise, the district is divided into 4 sub-districts, 1 town and 878 villages. Oriya is its official language. It came into existence on the 1st April, 1993 with its administrative headquarters located at Debagarh which is situated at a distance of 255 kms. from the State Capital.
Demographically, according to the 2011 census, the district has a total number of 75,942 households with a total of 3,12,520 comprising 1,58,230 are males and 1,54,290 are females which leads it to rank 30th in the state and 570th in India. The density of population of the district is 106 persons per sq km. The sex ratio is pegged at 975 (females per 1000 males) while the child ratio stands at 927 (females per 1000 males). As per 2011 census the percentage of major religions practiced by the people of this region is Hindu with 94.71% of the total population. The population growth rate during the period of 2001-2011 was 14.01% including 14.32 % are males and 13.70% are females. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Oriya with 89.94%. In the year 2018 the number of live births in the district was 3,392 including 1,711 were males and 1,681 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 2,444 including 1,396 were males and 1,048 were females.
Economically, agriculture is the prime source of income for the people of the district. The Gross District Domestic Product during 2011-12 was Rs. 1,33,527 lakh at current price and Rs. 80,211 lakh at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. The Net District Domestic Product during 2011-12 was Rs. 1,23,210 lakhs at current price and Rs. 73,240 lakh at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, at factor cost during 2011-12 was Rs. 39,213 at current price and Rs. 23,309 at constant prices in the year 2004-2005. In 2006, the district Debagarh is considered as one of the most backward districts and receiving the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF).
Education wise, according to the 2011 census, Education wise, according to the 2011 census, the percentage of literate persons is 72.57% including 81.92% are males and 63.05% are females. The total literate population of the district is 1,97,819 out of which 1,12,649 are males and 85,170 are females. The district has many educational institutes including schools and colleges. Raja Basu Dev High School and Govt. college are two famous colleges here.
Debendra Pradhan, aveteran Indian politician and a member of the Bhartiya Janta Party. He was appointed as the minister of state for surface transport. He also represented the Deogarh constituency in the 13th Lok Sabha. He was also a notable member of RSS.
The district has many famous historical and religious places to visit. These places are Pradhanpat Waterfalls, Kurudkut Waterfalls, etc. In the year 2018, there were total 2,42,919 domestic tourists and 6 foreign tourists who visited here. Kurudkut Waterfall is situated in a dense forest. The water comes from a root of a tree. The place has natural beauty around the fall. A Hydro Electric Power Project is located on this waterfall. Pradhan Pat Waterfall is a step waterfall and a famous picnic area. The place also has a beautiful park. It is also situated in a dense forest. The fall is located on Pradhanpat Hills.