The colonial state thought that forests were unproductive because they were considered to be wilderness that had to be brought under cultivation to yield agricultural products and revenue.

5. Why did the British explore Indian forests on a massive scale?

The oak forests in England were disappearing, creating a problem of timber supply for the Royal Navy. To get a supply of oak for the shipping industry, the British started exploring Indian forests on a massive scale.

9. Who was Dietrich Brand and what was his role in Indian forestry?

Dietrich Brand was a German expert on forests who was invited to India by the British government for advice on forestry. He was appointed as the first Inspector General of Forests in India and emphasized the need for a proper system to manage forests and conserve resources.

13. What was the impact of the Forest Act on villagers?

The Forest Act meant severe hardship for villagers across the country. After the Act, all their everyday practices - cutting wood for their houses, grazing their cattle, collecting fruits and roots, hunting and fishing - became illegal.

14. What was shifting cultivation and why was it banned by the colonial government?

Shifting cultivation was a system of agriculture where forests were cut, burnt and used to cultivate crops. It was banned by the colonial government as they felt that this method of cultivation would not allow trees to grow back for railway timber.

16. What were the advantages of forests?

Forests play a major role in improving the quality of the environment, modifying the local climate, controlling soil erosion, regulating stream flow, supporting a variety of industries, providing a livelihood for many communities, and offering opportunities for recreation.