Founded by Bir Singh, a Hindu Raja, Rajnagar fell under the control of Muhammad Shiran and Ali Mardan in the early 13th century.

The decline of the Nagar Raj began in the mid-18th century, marked by battles with the British and Marathas.

However, subsequent rulers faced challenges, and by the early 19th century, Rajnagar had become a deserted town with dilapidated palaces and ruins.

[3] His son, Badi-uz-zaman Khan (1718–52) made an abortive attempt at shaking off the nominal allegiance to Murshidabad.

It was during the reign of his son, Asad-uz-Zaman Khan (1752-1777) that the Nagar Raj witnessed the zenith of its power and then started declining.

The British set up their district headquarters at Suri, and by the early 19th century, Rajnagar had been reduced to a deserted town with dilapidated palaces and ruins of habitation, and the forest slowly encroaching.

[5] Despite the decline, the last Pathan ruler, Rafiqul Alam Khan, is still honored as the Raja during Muslim festivals.

[citation needed] Rajnagar is located at 23°57′N 87°19′E / 23.95°N 87.32°E / 23.95; 87.32, with an average elevation of 101 m. It sits on ancient Archean rocks, receiving an annual rainfall of 1405 mm.

In front of the ruins of the Imambara stands a fine Mosque in a state of good preservation, which is still used by local Muslims.

[6][13] The National Institute of Fashion Technology has trained almost 2000 artisans from various parts of Birbhum in handicraft and handloom as a part of its consolidated cluster development project undertaken in collaboration with the ministry of rural development and its counterpart in the state.

The main project in the eastern zone was implemented in Bolpur, Nalhati, Ilambazar and Rajnagar.