[citation needed] During Muslim rule in Bengal, the Mal Paharias were brave warriors who maintained their independence from government control but developed a relationship with local landlords.

The sardars acted as a lawkeeping force among the Mal Paharia in return for which they were given a certain amount of land by the plains people.

This problem was worsened during the Bengal Famine of 1770, which the Mal Paharias were not affected due to their reliance on forest products, and so were able to raid without much resistance.

Finally, in 1778, the British proposed a "pacification" scheme were money and lands were restored to the sardars, and the forts of the landlords were taken over by EIC officials.

Instead, the British brought in Santal cultivators from the southeastern part of the Chota Nagpur Plateau, who settled in the wasteland in large numbers starting in the 1830s.

Most villages of the tribe lack basic facilities such as drinking water or sanitation, very few have government jobs and none have become involved in politics.

[7] The Mal Paharias who live in the southern hills of Damin-i-koh and in the south and east of Santhal Parganas have been Hinduised.