Explanation:

During the colonial period in India, deforestation was a significant problem due to various reasons. However, one of the factors that was not responsible for deforestation during this period was the British encouragement of the production of Jowar and Bajra.

Reasons for deforestation during the colonial period in India:

1. British encouragement of commercial crops:
The British administration in India encouraged the production of commercial crops like indigo, tea, coffee, and cotton for export to Britain. This led to the clearing of large forest areas to make way for these cash crops, resulting in deforestation.

2. Perception of unproductive forests:
The British believed that the forests in India were unproductive and needed to be cleared for agriculture and development. They considered forests as obstacles to progress and viewed them as wasteland. This perception led to the destruction of many forested areas.

3. Commercial timber exploitation:
The British also exploited the forests for their timber resources. They cut down trees for various purposes, including shipbuilding, construction, and fuel. The demand for timber from India led to extensive logging, contributing to deforestation.

4. Infrastructure development:
The British colonial administration undertook several infrastructure development projects like the construction of railways, roads, and canals. These projects required the clearing of forests to make way for the construction, leading to deforestation.

5. Forest laws and policies:
The British introduced forest laws and policies that prioritized revenue generation and restricted access to forests. This led to the eviction of local communities from their traditional forest lands and increased pressure on forests for resources, resulting in deforestation.

Explanation for option 'B':

The British encouragement of the production of Jowar and Bajra did not directly contribute to deforestation during the colonial period in India. Jowar and Bajra are primarily dryland crops that do not require extensive clearing of forests. These crops were cultivated in areas where forests were already cleared for agriculture. Therefore, while the British administration promoted the cultivation of Jowar and Bajra, it did not significantly contribute to deforestation compared to other factors.

Overall, the British encouragement of commercial crops, perception of unproductive forests, commercial timber exploitation, infrastructure development, and forest laws and policies were major factors responsible for deforestation during the colonial period in India.

Answer is b