What was the policy followed by the British in India towards forests d...
Policies followed by the British in India towards forests during the First and Second World Wars:
During the First and Second World Wars, the British implemented certain policies regarding forests in India. These policies aimed to meet the war needs of the British Empire. The policy followed by the British in India towards forests during this time was as follows:
1. The forest department cut trees freely to meet British war needs:
- The British Empire had a high demand for timber and other forest resources during the war.
- To fulfill this demand, the forest department in India allowed the cutting of trees on a large scale.
- The timber obtained from these forests was used for various purposes, including shipbuilding and construction.
It is important to note that the British prioritized their war needs over the conservation of forests during this period. This policy had significant implications for the environment and the local communities dependent on the forests for their livelihoods.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question is option A: The forest department cut trees freely to meet British war needs.
What was the policy followed by the British in India towards forests d...
The British Policy towards Forests in India during the First and Second World Wars
The policy followed by the British in India towards forests during the First and Second World Wars was characterized by the cutting of trees to meet the war needs of the British. This answer option 'A' is the correct one, and we will now explore this policy in detail.
1. Context: British Colonial Rule in India
Before delving into the policies during the World Wars, it is essential to understand the broader context of British colonial rule in India. The British had significant control over the administration and resources of India, including its forests. They exploited India's rich natural resources, including timber, for their own economic interests.
2. War Needs and Timber Demand
During the First and Second World Wars, there was a substantial demand for timber due to the British war efforts. Timber was crucial for various purposes such as constructing barracks, railway lines, bridges, and ships. The British government relied on India's forests to meet this demand.
3. Forest Department and Tree Cutting
The British Forest Department, responsible for managing India's forests, cut trees freely to fulfill the timber requirements for the war. This policy allowed them to exploit the vast forest resources of India without many restrictions. The focus was primarily on meeting the war needs, and the forests were seen as a source of revenue and raw materials.
4. Impact on Forests and Environment
The policy of unrestricted tree cutting had severe consequences for India's forests and the environment. The large-scale deforestation led to ecological imbalances, loss of biodiversity, and soil erosion. It also disrupted the lives and livelihoods of indigenous communities who depended on the forests for sustenance.
5. Economic Exploitation
The British policy of freely cutting trees during the wars further exemplified the economic exploitation of India. The timber extracted from Indian forests was primarily used for the benefit of the British war machinery, while the local population did not receive significant economic benefits.
6. Conclusion
In conclusion, the policy followed by the British in India towards forests during the First and Second World Wars involved the unrestricted cutting of trees to meet the war needs of the British. This policy had detrimental effects on the environment and the livelihoods of indigenous communities. It also highlighted the economic exploitation of India by the British colonial administration.
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