Imperial Forest Research Institute (IFRI) was established in 1906 in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India. It was the first institution of its kind in India dedicated to forestry research and education.

Establishment of IFRI
The establishment of IFRI can be attributed to the efforts of Sir Dietrich Brandis, who is often referred to as the father of scientific forestry in India. Brandis recognized the need for a research institution to study and promote sustainable forest management practices in the country. With the support of the British Indian government, he established the Imperial Forest Department in 1864, which laid the foundation for the subsequent establishment of IFRI.

Objectives of IFRI
The primary objectives of IFRI were as follows:
1. Conducting research on various aspects of forestry, including silviculture, forest management, and tree improvement.
2. Providing training and education to forest officers and other professionals in the field of forestry.
3. Developing and disseminating scientific knowledge and techniques for sustainable forest management.
4. Establishing experimental forests and arboreta for research purposes.
5. Collaborating with other national and international institutions working in the field of forestry.

Contribution to Forest Society and Colonialism
The establishment of IFRI had significant implications for forest society and colonialism in India. Here are some key points to consider:

1. Scientific Forestry: IFRI played a crucial role in promoting scientific forestry practices in India. It emphasized the importance of sustainable forest management techniques based on scientific research and experimentation. This approach aimed to maximize timber production while ensuring the long-term health and productivity of forests.

2. Exploitation of Forest Resources: The establishment of IFRI can also be seen as a tool for colonial exploitation of forest resources. The British colonial government had a vested interest in exploiting India's rich forest wealth for economic gain. IFRI's research and education programs were designed to optimize timber production and fulfill the colonial government's demand for wood.

3. Control and Management: IFRI's establishment helped the colonial government exercise greater control over forest resources. By promoting scientific forestry practices, the government could regulate timber extraction, prevent deforestation, and ensure a steady supply of wood for various industries.

4. Institutional Legacies: The establishment of IFRI laid the foundation for the subsequent development of forestry education and research institutions in India. It contributed to the creation of a professional cadre of forest officers and scientists who played a crucial role in shaping forest policies and practices in the country.

In conclusion, the Imperial Forest Research Institute was established in 1906 in Dehradun to promote scientific forestry practices and provide education and research in the field of forestry. Its establishment had significant implications for forest society and colonialism in India, contributing to the exploitation of forest resources and the development of scientific forest management techniques.

Imperial forest research institute of dehradoon setup in 1906 by brandis