Background, Geographic Area and Location: Magura zila was a sub-division of former Jessore Zila. Nothing is definitely known about the origin of the zila name. But it is said that in the long past large number of Maghs who frequently visited this area for robberies. The people always remained terrified in fear of the robbers. It is believed that the name of the zila might have originated its name from the word “Magh” with some phonetic corruption. It is bounded on the North by Rajbari zila, on the east by Rajbari and Faridpur zilas, on the south by Narail and Jessore zilas and on the west by Jhenaidah zila. It lies between 23° 15' and 23° 41' north latitudes and between 89° 15'and 89° 42' East longitudes. The total area of the zila is 1039.10 Sq. km. (401.00 Sq. miles).
Annual Average Temperature: Maximum 37.1°C, minimum 11.2°C; annual rainfall 1467 mm. Main Rivers: Gorai, Madhumati, Nabaganga and Fatki; Ramsagar and Bural Baor are notable.
Administration: Magura sub-division was established in 1945 and was turned into a zila in 1984. The zila consists of 4 Upazilas, 36 unions, 537 mauzas, 731 villages, 1 paurashava, 9 wards and 61 mahallas. The upazilas are MAGURA SADAR, MOHAMMADPUR, SALIKHA and SREEPUR.
Archaeological Heritage and Relics: Ghat of Nader Chand, tomb of Pir Mokerram Ali, tomb of Garib Shah, remnants of the Rajbari of Raja Sitaram Roy, Rajbari of Raja Satrujit Roy, fortification of Debal Raja, remnants of the Rajbari of Birat Raja at Sreepur, Mosque at village Gopal (Mughal period), Siddheshwari Math at Athara Khada and Ashram of Nangta Baba (Satdoha Ashram).
Historical Events: Indigo uprising of 1859-60, the remnants of Neelkuthi at Hajrapur, Boroi and Amtail. Nahati are marks of extensive indigo cultivation. During the War of Liberation the people of Magura encountered the Pak army in about 16 fronts. In these encounters many freedom fighters were killed. The heroic role of Lutfunnahar Helena and her tragic death in the hands of the Razakars are proudly remembered by people.
Marks of War of Liberation Mass grave: Magura PTI compound, WAPDA canal, Binodpur Bazar, Galakata Bridge (Chhaigharia); memorial monument - PTI main gate adjacent to the Magura Bishwa Road.
Main Crops: Paddy, jute, wheat, oil seed, cotton, sugarcane, chilli, onion, turmeric, and varieties of dal (pulse).
Main Fruits: Mango, jackfruit, black berry, papaya, bel (wood apple), coconut, palm, date and litchi.
Traditional Transport: Horse carriage (nearly extinct) and boat.
Main Export Items: Jute, chilli, onion, betel leaf, vegetables and bamboo and cane products.
