The History of Gumla is yet to be fully documented. We know a little about this district at present. Gumla was earlier a small hamlet where the people of the area used to come to sale and purchase of live stocks, especially bovine cattles. It was famous for Gau Mela. Gau means cow, and Mela is a fair. In course of time this place was populated and it became to be known as Gumla. Its rise and fall depended on the rise and fall of Chhotanagpur, since it was a part of it. During medieval era BARAIK DEVENANDAN SINGH was given rights to rule over Gumla circle. During British rule GUMLA was under LOHARDAGA district. In 1843 it was brought under BISHUNPUR province that was further named RANCHI. Ranchi district came into existence in 1899 and in 1902 Gumla became a Sub - division under Ranchi district. During the KOLH REBEL in 1931-32 , and Quit India Movement in 1942, Gumala had active participation. On 18 MAY 1984 GUMLA DISTRICT came into existence. It was then in Bihar state. After bifurcation of Bihar, this district became part of Jharkhand in 2000.