Prior to the arrival of the British, the Paharias led a life undisturbed by the mighty empires reigning in the region.
The Mughals never seem to have conquered the area, possibly because they failed to penetrate into the deeply forested hilly tracts.
The Santals first began to move into the hills and forests of what was later called Santhal Parganas, towards the end of the 18th century.
Towards the end of the century, as the pressure of population was keenly felt and the jungles were being cleared, they moved up towards the virgin forests in and around the Rajmahal Hills.
[6] The intention of the British administration in permanently settling the Santals in Damin-i-koh was to reclaim the dense forested region.