The old records of the district reveal that Kadapa was previously called Gadapa which translated in Telugu to threshold.

It was renamed as Y.S.R District during the year 2010, in honour of Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy, the former chief minister of United Andhra Pradesh.

Many paleolithic sites were found in Kadapa district, as the surroundings of Jammalamadugu, Mailavaram Dam[9] and Gandikota.

Some megalithic burial sites were explored near Porumamilla, Sankhavaram and at Yellatur[10] village near Kadapa.

The rock paintings with mystic figures are also found at Dappalle village[9] near Mylavaram Dam in Jammalamadugu Taluk of the district.

Jainism also had a place in Kadapa district history; the remnants of a buried Jain temple were found at Danavulapadu[13] village on the banks of the Penna.

Subsequently, a Kakatiya King Pratapa rudra ruled the district with Warangal as the capital.

Jyothi village located in Siddavatam mandal has 108 Shiva lingas on the bank of the river Penna which are dated to the rule of Kakatiyas.

Gandikota fort located on the bank of the Penna river was the citadel of Pemmasani Nayaks, commanders of Vijayanagar army.

After the fall of Vijayanagar kingdom, this region came under the rule of Qutub shahis, who later became part of Mughal empire.

Munro subjugated over 80 Palegars, instituted revenue collection system through which he secured the finances.

[21] Kadapa district occupies an area of 11,228 square kilometres (4,335 sq mi).

[22] Vellikonda, Palakonda, Nallamalai, Lankamalai and Yerramalai are the major hill ranges in the district.

Tiger and Panther can be seen in the interior areas of Nallamalas, Lankamalas, Palakonda-Seshachalam and Velikonda forests.

mungoose, jackal, fox, wolves, wild dogs, bear, the Malabar squirrel, porcupine, the Indian antelope, Indian gazelle, Blue bull, sambar, deer and wild pigs are also found in the forests.

Grey partridge known as Kamju, the quail, the Jungle fowl, the dove, pigeon and wild goose are the other common birds found in this district.

Napa slabs, road metal, building stone, marble, are also found in the district.

National Mineral Development Corporation is extracting asbestos in Brahman palli and barytes in Mangampet.

Based on the 2011 census, as computed for the revised district boundaries of 2022, 84.66% of the population spoke Telugu and 14.37% Urdu as their first language.

[31] The district is divided into 4 revenue divisions: Badvel, Jammalamadugu, Kadapa and Pulivendula, which are further subdivided into a total of 36 mandals, each headed by a sub-collector.

^ upgraded in 2019 The district is covered by Kadapa (fully) and Rajampet (partially) parliamentary constituencies.

[36] Kadapa district is considered to be a bastion of the ruling YSR Congress party.

Paddy, Groundnut, Sunflower, Cotton, Betel Leaves, Mango, Papaya, Banana, Lemon and Sweet Orange are the major crops cultivated in the district.

The main source of drinking water to this district is Galeru Nagari Sujala Sravanthi Project Canal.

[40] Siddavatam (Sidhout) at a distance of 25 Km Kadapa town is famous for its fort and temples.

[19] Brahmamgari Matham (B. Mattam), is the place where SreeVeerabrahmendra Swamy, a 17th century saint and clairvoyant entered Jeevasamadhi.