Blessed with natural beauty, the district of Gumla is covered by dense forests, hills and rivers. It is situated in the southwest portion of the Jharkhand State. The District was carved out of Ranchi District on 18th May 1983. Previously it was sub-division of old Ranchi district. Gumla is located at 230N 84.500 E. Geographically, Gumla is located on southern part of the Chota Nagpur plateau which forms the eastern edge of the Deccan plateau system. The various legends are in currency regarding its name. The most popular one ascribes to its word ‘Gumla’ in Mundari language, which relates to the occupation of the local Tribes in rice processing work (dhan-kutna). The second legend ‘Gau-mela’ relates to cattle fair. Cattle fair was weekly held in Gumla City every Tuesday. In rural areas, Nagpuri and Sadri people still call it ‘Gomila’.
Gumla Nagar Parishad was established in year 1976 with 20 wards. Earlier NP was considered under Notified Area Committee.
Gumla City is the district headquarters of Gumla district situated on the south west border of Jharkhand State. The adjoining State is Odisha. It is situated on the Ranchi-Jaspur highway leading to Chhattisgarh. It is located on the plateau surrounded by a ring of river, mainly Sankh and Kelo. The entire area is surrounded by dense forest and small hillocks. The population of Gumla City was 39761 as per 2001 census. According to census figures, 2011, the present population of Gumla is 51264. Government office and small showrooms of reputed brands are situated here.