Detailed Summary
This section, Land to be Improved, provides an overview of the impact of colonial agricultural policies on India's forests. It begins by observing the vast diversity of forest resources and their critical role in providing various economic and ecological services. However, it points out that this diversity is declining due to rapid deforestation since the 18th century, especially during the colonial period.
In the early 1600s, only one-sixth of India's land was cultivated, but by the time of colonization, this grew to about half. The increasing population and the rising demand for food led to the expansion of agricultural land at the expense of forests. The section also addresses how British colonial policies prioritized the cultivation of commercial crops like jute and cotton, arguing that uncultivated lands were wasted, thereby justifying deforestation.
Furthermore, it highlights the consequences of land conversion for the establishment of plantations and infrastructure such as railways, exacerbating forest loss. The tension between colonial objectives and local forest management reflects a broader theme of the indigenous populations' struggles against oppressive regulations and changing land use practices. Overall, the narrative illustrates the historical roots of deforestation in India, foreshadowing the complexities of land use and conservation that continue into modern times.