Colonial rulers considered forests as wilderness and unproductive because forests did not yield revenue to enhance the income of the state.

1. Definition of wilderness:
Colonial rulers considered forests as wilderness, which means they saw them as areas that were not under human control or cultivation. They viewed these areas as wild and untamed, lacking any form of human habitation or development.

2. Forests not fit for habitation:
One reason for considering forests as wilderness and unproductive was the belief that forests were not suitable for human habitation. Colonial rulers often associated forests with dense vegetation, wild animals, and limited accessibility. They perceived forests as inhospitable environments that were difficult for people to settle in and exploit for agricultural or residential purposes.

3. Forests only have wild-grown trees:
While it is true that forests mainly consist of wild-grown trees, this aspect alone does not fully explain why colonial rulers considered them unproductive. Forests have always been valuable resources for human societies, providing timber, fuelwood, medicinal plants, and various other products. However, colonial rulers failed to recognize the economic potential of forests beyond their immediate value as sources of timber.

4. Forests did not yield revenue to enhance the income of the state:
The primary reason colonial rulers considered forests unproductive was because they did not generate direct revenue for the state. They saw forests as unutilized resources that could be exploited for economic gain. The focus was primarily on extracting timber for export, rather than recognizing the broader ecological and economic functions of forests.

5. Lack of understanding of forest ecosystems:
Colonial rulers had limited knowledge and understanding of forest ecosystems and their importance in maintaining ecological balance. They often viewed forests as obstacles to development and sought to clear them for agriculture, infrastructure, and urbanization, without considering the long-term consequences of deforestation.

In conclusion, colonial rulers considered forests as wilderness and unproductive mainly because they did not yield direct revenue to enhance the income of the state. This perception disregarded the multifaceted values of forests, including their ecological significance, potential for sustainable resource extraction, and the diverse benefits they provide to local communities.

Option c