Colonialism and the Countryside: Exploring Official Archives — History STD 12 Humanities — Question

By 1832, the Santhals had settled in the Damin-i-Koh area. Santhal settlements now expanded rapidly. Forests were rapidly cleared for agriculture. As cultivation expanded the Company got more revenue.

But the Santhals gradually became dissatisfied. They found they were not getting their due and were being exploited. The sate was levying heavy taxes on them.

Moneylenders charged them high rates of interest and took over their land when they were unable to pay.

zamindars also had began to increase their hold over their area. Thus they revolted against the exploitation of the zamindar, moneylenders and the state.

After the revolt, the British created the Santhal Pargana from the districts of Bhagalpur and Birbhum. It was believed that the creation of a new state and passing of special laws for their protection would conciliate the Santhals.