[1][2] Shiva Mahto was born on the auspicious day of Mahashivratri in 1914, in Bokaro district's Sijua neighborhood near Dugda.

Mahto was involved in social service in later part of his life and he primarily worked in the field of education for the poor children of tribal communities.

In 1962, he joined Binod Bihari Mahato, the prominent leader associated with movement for a separate state of Jharkhand, which was demanded for the tribals of undivided Bihar.

He soon became one of the pillar of Jharkhand movement, alongside other leaders such as Binod Bihari Mahto, Shibu Soren and A. K. Roy.

Mahto also led establishment of Jharkhand Commerce College in Gutbali, in his bid to improve the educational outcome in the tribal dominated state.