The land comprising modern-day Mahasamund is historically part of the ancient Dakshina Kosala (South Kosala) region. For centuries, the area was heavily influenced by the cultural and political developments of nearby Sirpur (Shripur), which served as the capital of the Somavamshi kings from the 6th to the 8th centuries. Sirpur was a major center for Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism, attracting scholars like the Chinese traveler Xuanzang in the 7th century.
Throughout the medieval period, the region came under the sway of various dynasties, including the Kalachuris of Ratanpur and later the Marathas of the Bhonsle dynasty in the 18th century. Following the Third Anglo-Maratha War in 1818, the region fell under British suzerainty and was eventually integrated into the Central Provinces of British India.
Mahasamund's modern administrative history took a significant turn post-independence. It was originally a tehsil within the large Raipur district of Madhya Pradesh. On July 6, 1998, Mahasamund was carved out as an independent district to facilitate better administration and localized development. In November 2000, it became part of the newly formed state of Chhattisgarh. Since then, the city has evolved from a quiet agricultural town into a bustling district headquarters with expanding civic amenities.