The agency was overseen by a political agent who maintained relations of the Government of India with the princely states and influence over them on behalf of the Governor-General.

In 1900 it included 9 states, the most important of which were Orchha, Panna, Samthar, Charkhari, Chhatarpur, Datia, Bijawar and Ajaigarh.

The agency also included 13 estates and the pargana of Alampur, the latter belonging to Indore State.

The western portion, including Bhopal, Malwa, and Bhopawar agencies and the Gwalior and Indore residencies, became the new state of Madhya Bharat.

Makrai was transferred to Madhya Pradesh, which had been created from the former Central Provinces and Berar in 1950.