Katni district, a part of Jabalpur division is a district of Madhya Pradesh state with its administrative headquarters located at Kanti town. The district got its name from its administrative headquarters town, Kanti. Katni is a combination of varied cultures from the three different cultural states namely Mahakausal, Bundelkhand, and Baghelkhand. There are three interesting stories associated with the fact that Katni is also popularly known as Mudwara. The half circular ‘mode’ (turn) from the wagon yard in Katni junction is one explanation for its name. Another popular belief is that once upon a time in the Modwar village, there was a famous custom of offering a reward for the bravery of cutting Mud (heads). Some other believe that during the period of the British government, they quelled criminals by cutting off the heads of Baggies and Plunderers and hanging them in the squares in order to put fear into the hearts of the people. The Kanti district came into existence on 28st May, 1998.

Geographically, the district lies at 23°84'N latitude, 80°40'E longitude and 304 m Altitude. In the year 2021, there was a total 27.41% forest area of total geographical area. The district encompasses a geographical area of 4,950 sq km. and in terms of geographical area it occupies the ranks of 35th in the state and 234th in India. It is bounded by Panna District on the North, Satna district on the North East, Jabalpur district on the South and South West, Umaria district on the East and South East and Damoh district on the West. Most of its rainfall occurs in the monsoon season. The actual rainfall in the district was 854.5 mm in the year of 2021-22.

Administration wise, the district is divided into 7 tehsils namely Badwara, Bahoriband, Barhi, Dhimarkheda, Murwara, Rithi and Vijayraghavgarh. There are 1 Lok Sabha seat and 4 Assembly constituencies in the district. Moreover, the district comprises 7 sub-districts, 4 towns and 947 villages. The administrative language in the district is Hindi.

According to 2011 census the district has a population of 12,92,042 out of which 6,62,013 are males and 6,30,029 are females. The district has a sex ratio of 952 females for every 1000 males. During the year 2001-2011 the population growth rate in the district was 21.41% including 20.72% were males and 22.15% were females. The population density in the district is 261 persons per sq. km. In the year 2020 the number of live births in the district was 45,979 out of which 25,370 were males and 20,609 were females. In the same year the number of deaths in the district was 9,751 out of which 5,787 were males and 3,964 were females. As per 2011 census the major religion in the district is Hindu with 96.02% of the total population. According to 2011 census the principal language in the district is Hindi with 98.04%.

The economy of the district is largely based on agriculture. Most of the populations in the district are engaged in agriculture in order to earn their livelihood. The chief agricultural products in the district are paddy, wheat, gram, pulses, maize, mutter, vegetables, oil seeds, etc. The adoption of the new agricultural technologies amongst the famers of the district helps to increase the production of various agricultural items. Since the district is rich in mineral resources such as limestone, bauxite, latrite clay, fire clay, etc hence the mineral based industries are very common in it. Besides these pulses mills are very much found in the Katni district. Moreover, the district is renowned for the availability of limestone so it is also known as a city of marbles. Every year a huge chunk of revenue comes from its mineral industries helps in its economy to a remarkable extent. In 2006 the Ministry of Panchayati Raj declared Katni as one of the country's 250 most backward districts and currently receiving funds from the Backward Regions Grant Fund Programme (BRGF). In the year 2019-20 the gross domestic product in the district was Rs. 17,87,212 lakhs at current price and Rs. 10,94,769 lakhs at constant prices in the year 2011-2012. The net domestic product in the district during the period 2019-20 was Rs. 16,30,562 lakh at current price and Rs. 9,72,868 lakh at constant prices in the year 2011-2012. The Per Capita Income or NDDP, At Factor Cost during the period 2019-20 was Rs. 1,10,564 at current price and Rs. 65,968 at constant prices in the year 2011-2012.

The district is an abode of several reputed educational institutions. It provides a platform for higher education. The district is fortunate enough to have the head office of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi Vedic University. The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Kannur, a recognised agricultural university is situated at Piprodh village in the district, which imparts education on different advanced technologies related to agriculture. As per 2011 census the literacy rate in the district is 71.98% including 81.92% are males and 61.56% are females.

Sanjay Pathak, a businessman turned to an eminent Indian politician and elected as a MLA (member of legislative assembly) for two times from Vijayraghavgarh constituency of Katni districtwas born on 31st October, 1970 at Katni town. At present he is a member of Bharatiya Janata Praty.

The district has several centres of attraction which allures many travellers from different parts of the country as well as world. Bahoriband, a place located in the district has many historical monuments including a statue of Jain Teerthankar Shantinath, placed at 12 feet high. In the lower portion of the statue, some inscriptions of 12st century are clearly visible which describes the story of Maha samantadhipati Golhneshwar Rathore, the ruler under the Kalchuri’s kings Gayakarndev. Roopnath, a holy place located at a distance of 3 km. from Bahoriband has a Panchlingi statue of Lord Shiva popularly called as Roopnath temple. The temple is situated in the corner of Camore Mountain. Near to the temple there are three kunds meaning tanks, one above another on standing stone water. Vijaraghavgarh, place with historical significance located at a height of 350 m high from sea level. A temple of Lord Vijayraghav and a fort named Vijaraghavgarh were constructed by the prince Prayagdas. Sungarha Vaishnav Devi temple is a well known temple situated at a distance of 15 km. away from Katni. Pilgrims from far off places come to this temple to offer their prayers. Two more prominent places of interest in the district are Tigavan temple and Bilhary.