Discuss how the changes in forest management in the colonial period affected the following groups of people: > Shifting cultivators > Nomadic and pastoralist communities > Firms trading in timber/forest produce > Plantation owners > Kings/British officials engaged in shikar

Discuss how the changes in forest management in the colonial period affected the following groups of people:

→ Shifting cultivators
→ Nomadic and pastoralist communities
→ Firms trading in timber/forest produce
→ Plantation owners
→ Kings/British officials engaged in shikar

Ans.

(i) New forest laws banned shifting cultivation. Many communities who practised shifting cultivation were forcibly displaced from their homes in the forests. Some had to change occupations, while some resisted through large and small rebellions.

(ii) Grazing and hunting were banned under the new forest laws. It made the life of pastoralist communities difficult. Some of the nomadic communities began to be called ‘criminal tribes’, and were forced to work instead in factories, mines and plantations.

(iii) Trade was conducted under complete regulation. The British administration gave European firms the sole rights to trade in Forest products of certain areas. This was a huge profit-making steps for firms trading in timber or forest produce.

(iv) Land was given at cheaper rate to the plantation owners. Labours was also made available to them at very low wages. New policies were made which prevented workers from going back to their home. Thus the plantation owners benefited.

(v) Killing of ferocious animals such as tiger or wolves were monetarily rewarded. Moreover hunting was viewed as a sign of bravery and valour. The kings and British officials definitely must have enjoyed this new changed atmosphere.