Daman-i-Koh: The Land of Hills, History and Tribal Heritage

Daman-i-Koh is a distinctive and significant part of geographical and historical history of eastern India. Daman-i-Koh is a geographically situated region between the plains of Bengal and Rajmahal range between policies of the colonizers, tribal culture, and resistance. In addition, the region was also significant in the British administrative policy and tribal movements in nineteenth century. Thus, a thorough examination of Daman-i-Koh shows that it has historical significance, cultural diversity, and legacy.

Meaning and Geographical Setting of Daman-i-Koh

First of all, the name of the Daman-i-Koh is of Persian roots, with daman meaning skirts, foothills and koh meaning mountain. Daman-i-Koh is, therefore, literally meaning the foothill part of the Rajmahal hills. This region is also a transgressory zone between hills and fertile plains extending into the present-day Jharkhand and some parts of West Bengal. Besides, the region is characterized by thick forests, hills, rivers, and valleys. This natural environment therefore helped the tribes who relied on forests as a source of agriculture, hunting and even their day to day living. Thus, geography had a direct impact on the social and economic organization of Daman-i-Koh.

The first people and the tribe society

Tribal communities like the Santhals, Paharias and other native communities occupied Daman-i-Koh long before the intervention of Britain. These tribes engaged in shifting cultivation, forest-based livelihood and good community culture. Additionally, they were customary law abiding and dwelled under their own social categories. Noteworthy, these tribal cultures treasured equality, group ownership and unity with the environment. Hence, land was not a commodity but a resource that was shared. This meant tribal life was greatly disturbed by the external land revenue systems and the ownership by individuals.

The British Interest in Daman-i-Koh

In the late eighteenth century and the early nineteenth century, the British East India Company extended its powers in the eastern part of India. As a result, British officials had started paying attention to Daman-i-Koh as it was on a strategic position between Bengal and Bihar. The region was however a great challenge. The forests were thick, hillocky and the inhabitants resisted administration. In addition, regular attacks by the hill tribes were of concern to the colonialists. Thus, there was a decision to introduce the British special policies in order to govern and settle the region.

Development of the Daman-i-Koh Region

Daman-i-Koh was established as an independent administrative district by the British in 1832. First of all, the colonial government wanted to colonize the Santhal tribe in this region. Thus, British authorities were urging Santhals to move out of the neighboring areas into Daman-i-Koh.

Simultaneously, the British wanted settled agriculture to make tribal resistance less significant and guarantee the regular collection of revenue. They therefore brought in new land systems, officials and encouraged cultivation. Nevertheless, these transformations turned out to have unforeseen outcomes shortly.

Influence of Colonial Land Policies

First, the Santhals were open to settlement opportunities due to the availability of land to them. Nonetheless, land policies of the colonizers weakened tribal independence over time. As an example, the British administrators brought about zamindars, moneylenders, as well as contractors in the region.

This made Santhal farmers to enter into debt through the high taxes and excessive interest lending. In addition to this, tribal people were usually swindled by foreigners using fraudulent agreements. This resulted in more economic poverty and escalating social tensions.

The Tribal practices were not considered by the British legal system. Thus, Santhals were deprived of their land and resources. Gradually frustration was converted into systematized opposition.

Daman-i-Koh and the Santhal Rebellion

The Santhal Rebellion of 185556 was one of the most important actions in the history of Daman-i-Koh. Thousands of Santhals revolted against British rule, zamindars and money lenders under the leadership of Sidhu and Kanhu Murmu. At first, the rebels were attacking the symbols of exploitation, revenue offices and houses of moneylenders. In addition, they proclaimed the abolition of the British rule in the area. As a result, the insurgency became notorious throughout Daman-i-Koh and its environs.

Even though the British eventually crushed the revolt by use of military forces, the uprising revealed the weaknesses of colonial rule. Hence, it compelled the British to re-evaluate their policies with tribal regions.

The Post Rebellion changes in administration

Following the repression of the revolt, the British saw the necessity to have administrative reforms. They therefore established the Santhal Parganas in1856 as a distinct district. This new administrative unit was to serve the interests of the tribes and minimize exploitation.

Furthermore, British brought about special legislations that restricted the inflows of outsiders and acknowledgment of tribal land rights. Consequently, Daman-i-Koh emerged as a territory that had its administrative structures. Even though these actions did not entirely bring back tribal autonomy, they minimized certain types of exploitation.

Economic Life in Daman-i-Koh

Agriculture was the major occupation of the Daman-i-Koh people economically. Santhals had rice, maize, and pulses as crops. Besides, their livelihoods were supplemented by forest resources like timber, fruits and medicine.

The tribes used to share labor and resources. Thus, the economic life was oriented to collaboration and not competition. This balance was however to be interfered with when colonialists introduced taxes and production that focused on the market.

The Ecological Value of Daman-i-Koh

Daman-i-Koh is very important environmental-wise. The forests present in the area ensure biodiversity and ecological stability. Additionally, the use of natural resources was traditional among the tribal communities in the form of sustainable use.

Deforestation and environmental degradation however followed as a result of colonial exploitation. As a result, the soil erosion and resource depletion also expanded. Thus, the connection of colonialism with the destruction of the environment is also noted in the history of Daman-i-Koh.

Daman-i-Koh of Post-Independence India

In 1947, India became independent and Daman-i-Koh was included into the Indian republic. New policies were therefore meant to enhance the welfare of the tribes by educating them and providing health and development services. Nevertheless, poverty, land disputes and displacement remained a challenge. Thus, the region is still grappling with the issue of development and cultural conservation. However, the rights of the indigenous people have been fortified by the tribal movements and constitutional safeguards.

Historical Significance of Daman-i-Koh

Historically the Daman-i-Koh is not just a geographical area. It is about tribal resistance, colonial exploitation and fight of justice. In addition to this, it brings out the effects of implementing foreign systems among the native societies.

Historians consider Daman-i-Koh as a critical instance of tribal policy in colonies. Also, it teaches a lot of lessons regarding the issue of governance, the cultural sensitivity, and sustainable development.