Kasganj was founded by Nawab Yaqoot Ali Khan, a descendent of the Nawabs of Farrukhabad. The city was known as Yaqoot Ganj in the early sixteenth century, but it later became popularly known as Kasganj because it was established in a thick forest of kans, a vegetation grown abundantly here. The inscription regarding its establishment is still visible in the city's Jama Masjid (big mosque). It is said that the well-protected building at Tehsil Road which houses the tehsil was the residence of Nawab Yaqoot Ali Khan until it was acquired by the British after fall of Awadh.
The city was established here because it represented a centre point in the road connections between various small, ancient cities of District Etah, such as Bilram, Marehra, Etah, Sakeet, Atranji Khera and Aligarh. Kasganj is a city of rich cultural heritage. It is the junction of east, west and south UP, that very much reflects through peoples language,dresses and dishes. Direct impact of Brij Pradesh is very much evident. Hindu-Muslim culture is woven fine here. There is a long history of togetherness of both communities with love and respect to each other. Christians and Sikhs are also indispensable part of the society. Some important families of all the communities are the legend of a rich past. The articles,manuscripts of historical importance are available with some families of the city caring for heritage like Rao Mahinder Man Singh, family of Late Kunwar Maharaj Singh Jain, Seth Uttam Chand Chandak, Nawabzada Haji Abdul Sattar Ali Khan(Mukhiya Family), Seth Janki Prashad and some other families from Vaishyas, Brahmins, Thakurs of Piwari, Mehmoodpur, Kendi, Gorha & Kayasths as well. kasganj is known as kanshiram nagar
