question_answer

Examine the policies adopted by the British towards the Paharias during early 18 century in Bengal.

Answer:

Policies adopted by the British towards the Paharias

(i) In the 1770s the British embarked on the brutal policy of extermination, hunting the Paharias down and killing them.

(ii) By die 1780s, Augustus Cleveland, proposed a policy of pacification.

(iii) Paharia chiefs were given an annual allowance and made responsible for the proper conduct of their men.

(iv) Many Paharia chiefs refused the allowances, those who accepted lost authority within the community and came to be known as ?Stipendiary chiefs?.

(v) The Paharias withdrew deep in the mountains insulating themselves from hostile forces and carrying on a war with the outsiders. The brutal repression shaped their perception of British infiltration into the area.

(vi) British put Santhals in their areas which led to conflict between them.