The history of the district dates from antiquity. It witnessed different Rajput dynasties under Anhilwad kingdom from 746-1290 AD as well as the Mughal rule during 1573-1750 AD.

Present day Khambhat, a taluka of Anand district once known as Cambay was the major centre for trade to numerous countries. It was rich and prosperous. The Anand district can boast of its hoary past as towns of Khambhat (Cambay) and Borsad have been known since ancient times.

Borsad is a historical place and derives its name from a sage called "Badarmuni", a disciple of Valmiki. During Medieval times, Cambay was one of the richest cities and ports in India. Khambhat was famous as an ancient port and a tourist place as well as a trade center. There was a time when ships loaded with pearls, coral jewels and bales of cloth used to set sails from this port to travel to faraway places in the world. Khambhat was therefore known as the "Attire of the world".

The silt dragged in by waters of the rivers has blocked the harbor and reduced its utility as a port. The sea - trade has declined. Today, there are no tourists, no traders. The huge ships and large ware houses have become a thing of the past. But still, the coastal view of Khambhat brings serenity to the heart standing at the shore and looking around.

Famous travelers Marco Polo and Ibn Battuta visited Cambay in 1290 and 1345 A.D. respectively. The Great Mughal Emperors Akbar and Later Jahangir Visited Khambhat during Mughal rule and issued coins in commemoration of the event. Even the Queen Elizabeth I of England addressed Akbar the "King of Cambay". The district has also seen the rule of Gaekwads of Baroda and the British Raj. Anand is a home of many freedom fighters. The Iron man, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and His brother Vitthalbhai Patel were from Karamsad of Anand District.

 

In 1805 AD a Collector was appointed in the undivided Kheda district and Kheda became a major military station. In 1830 Kheda became a sub Collectorate under the collector of Ahmedabad but in 1833, Ahmedabad and Kheda were again separated. After independence Kheda district came into existence in 1949. For administrative reasons Government of Gujarat formed six new districts on 1/10/97 and Anand was carved out as a separate district from Kheda. And that is how a new district called "Anand" was born.