From 1832-33, the British created Damin-i-koh for Santhals, forcing Paharias to higher hills. The “Hul” (liberation movement) against zamindars, moneylenders, and British occurred in the 1850s. An autonomous area between Bhagalpur and Rajmahal was declared, using sajji branches for secret communication. In 1856, British suppressed the rebellion with military force, burning villages, using elephants, killing thousands. Sidhu and Kanhu were killed. Santhal Pargana was created from districts of Bhagalpur and Birbhum.