4. Forest Society and Colonialism
The chapter discusses the impact of deforestation and colonial practices on forest ecosystems and communities in India and beyond, highlighting the contradictions between colonial policies and local livelihoods. It examines how these changes resulted in significant transformations in land use, the livelihoods of indigenous populations, and the management of forest resources. The rebellion against colonial measures emphasizes the resilience of local communities in the face of systemic changes imposed upon them.
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Sections
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What we have learnt
- Deforestation has historical roots and accelerated under colonial rule.
- Colonial forestry practices often disregarded the needs and rights of local communities.
- Resistance and rebellion by forest communities reflect their struggle for rights and livelihoods.
Key Concepts
- -- Deforestation
- The large-scale removal of trees from forests, often resulting in damage to the quality of the land.
- -- Scientific Forestry
- A system introduced by colonial powers focusing on the efficient management of forests primarily for timber production, often ignoring ecological balance.
- -- Shifting Cultivation
- An agricultural system in which plots of forest land are cleared, used for a few years, and then left to regenerate.
- -- Forest Act of 1865
- Legislation introduced by British colonial rule to regulate the use of forest resources in India, often restricting local access.
- -- Protests and Rebellion
- Movements by local communities against colonial and state-imposed restrictions on their traditional rights to use forest resources.
Additional Learning Materials
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