Reasons for Deforestation in Colonial Period:

- Commercial Agriculture:
The primary reason for deforestation during the colonial period was the expansion of commercial agriculture. European colonizers cleared vast areas of forests to make way for plantations of cash crops such as sugar, cotton, and tobacco. This led to extensive deforestation in regions like the Americas, Africa, and Asia.

- Timber Extraction:
Another significant reason for deforestation was the extraction of timber for construction, shipbuilding, and fuel. European powers needed timber for their expanding empires, leading to the clearing of large tracts of forests.

- Urbanization and Industrialization:
The growth of cities and industries in colonial times also contributed to deforestation. As urban populations increased, there was a higher demand for land for housing and infrastructure, leading to the clearing of forests.

- Mining Activities:
Mining activities, such as gold and diamond mining, also played a role in deforestation during the colonial period. Forests were cleared to make way for mines and to provide fuel for mining operations.

- Infrastructure Development:
The construction of roads, railways, and other infrastructure projects required the clearing of forests. European colonizers built extensive networks of transportation and communication, leading to widespread deforestation.

- Lack of Sustainable Practices:
During the colonial period, there was a lack of awareness about sustainable forest management practices. Forests were seen as inexhaustible resources, leading to overexploitation and deforestation.

In conclusion, the reasons for deforestation in the colonial period were primarily driven by the expansion of commercial agriculture, timber extraction, urbanization, industrialization, mining activities, infrastructure development, and a lack of sustainable practices. These factors collectively led to the widespread destruction of forests in colonial territories.

(i) Population increased, the demand for food went up. (ii) British encouraged the production of commercial crops. (iii) Forests were unproductive. (iv) The spread of railways from 1850s.