In the pre-British era, the Dangis, part of a larger trade circle in forest products, dictated the terms of trade in forest produce. Merchants from the peripheral towns, bought permission to cut timber from the Bhil chiefs. The rate, in 1826, was Rs.2.25 per cart. Payments were often in kind, like grain, cloth and other material not available in the Dangs. They also sold honey, mahua (a fruit-based liquour),lac and bamboo products. But today the picture of poverty in the Dangs is stark, fearsome.