Question

Analyse how Santhals settled in the periphery of Raj Mahal hills in the beginning of nineteenth century.

Answer 1

Santhals moved to the Raj Mahal Hills' outskirts during the start of the nineteenth century for a number of reasons:

1. Search for Livelihood: Historically, the Santhals were shifting farmers and hunter-gatherers. But the growing British influence and the influx of people into their ancestral territories put pressure on them. Many Santhals moved to the Raj Mahal hills' outskirts in search of better prospects for their livelihoods, where they could continue their customary pastoral and agricultural pursuits in largely unaltered surroundings.
2. Geographical Features: The Raj Mahal hills gave the Santhals a good setting in which to reside. These hills provided water sources for drinking and irrigation, a wealth of forests for hunting and gathering, and fertile land for farming. The Santhals were able to construct their towns in relative seclusion because of the rough terrain of the highlands, which also provided some protection from outside assaults.
3. Strategic Location: The Raj Mahal Hills' perimeter was ideally situated close to marketplaces and trade routes, facilitating communication and exchange with nearby towns. The Santhals were able to participate in economic activities like selling excess agricultural output or handicrafts, as well as get necessities.