[8] James Pontet was assigned in 1837 to manage Damin-i-koh for revenue generation, but tensions grew as the Santals resisted outsiders, including exploitative moneylenders and landlords.

Bidwell blamed Pontet for neglecting the settlers, and the rebellion exposed the exploitation of the Santals, leading to British reforms.

Covering 5,470 square miles, it was bordered by Bhagalpur, Purnea, Malda, Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bardwan, Manbhum, Hazaribagh, and Monghyr.

Their administration was responsible for overseeing governance and implementing policies designed to manage the region's affairs in accordance with British colonial interests.

They were followed by Bhuiya (7.0%), Ahir and Goala (6.0%), Sheikh (4.3%), Jolha (3.5%), Malar (2.6%), Dom (2.5%), Rajput (2.4%), Teli and Kalu (2.4%), Brahmin (1.9%), Chamar and Muchi (1.9%), Kalwar and Sunri (1.8%), Musahar (1.6%), Kumhar (1.5%), Mal Paharia (1.4%), Kamar and Lohar (1.3%), Bauri (1.3%), weaving castes (i.e., Tanti) (1.2%), Chain (1.1%), Kahar and Behara (1.0%), and Hajjam and Napit (1.0%).

Meanwhile, Kurmi, Dhanuk, Koiri, Halwa, Mayara, Kandu, Mahli, Dosadh, Rajwar, Hari, Mehtar, and others accounted for less than 15,000 people (i.e., 1% of the population).