In what way was the livelihood of the Paharias different from that of the Santhals?

The Paharias lived around the Rajmahal hills. They were hostile and apprehensive towards the government officials. They were not willing to talk to outside travellers.

Livelihood of the Paharias : The Paharias earned their livelihood by adopting the following professions:

(i) They practised shifting cultivation.

(ii) They grew a variety of pulses and millets.

(iii) They collected mahua (a flower) for food.

(iv) They reared silk-worms and collected silk cocoons and resin for sale.

(v) They collected wood for charcoal production.

(vi) They used the patches of grass on the land as pasture for the cattle.

(vii) They hunted wild animals.

(viii) They also raided the plains where the settled agriculturalists lived.

(ix) They resisted the intrusion of outsiders. If ever they allowed them, they negotiated political relations with them. They got a regular tribute from the zamindars.

(x) They accepted toll from the traders. In return, they protected the traders. They also ensured that their goods were not plundered by anyone.

Livelihood of the Santhals : The Santhals had come into Bengal around the 1780s. They earned their livelihood by adopting the following jobs :

(i) They cleared forests and cut down timber.

(ii) They ploughed land and grew rice and cotton.

(iii) They expanded cultivaion and increased the inflow of revenue in the coffers of the East India Company.

(iv) They cultivated many commercial crops for the market.

(v) They also dealt with traders and moneylenders.