Q- Discuss how the changes in the forest management in the colonial period affected the following groups of people-
1. Shifting cultivation
2. Nomadic and pastoralist communities
3. Firms trading in timber/forest produce
4. Plantation owners
5. Kings/British officials engaged in Shikar (hunting)
Answer- 1. Shifting Cultivation-
Shifting cultivation is type of cultivation that was practised in old time in it the forest people take a piece of land and cultivated crop in it but after it they moved to next land for cultivation. This type of process results in a large amount of forest clearing so to stop this activity.
It was banned by the new forest law. It created a problem of survival for the shifting cultivators. Due to this many migrated to take up new other occupation whereas others were forced to work on plantation.
2. Nomadic and pastoralist communities:
New forest laws banned the grazing of animals. This made the life of pastoralists difficult and the only source of their livelihood was herds of animals. The nomadic communities were declared as criminal community, which made their life more miserable as they were no longer allowed to move freely.
3. Firms trending in timber/forest produce:
As timber was in a huge demand, it was a boon for the timber merchant. There was growth in their income.
4. Plantation owners:
Land was given to Plantation owners at a cheap rate and labour was made available for them in cheaper wages. News laws were made that restricted the workers to back their home villages.
5. Kings/British officials engaged in Shikar (hunting):
Killing of dangerous animals like the tiger and wolves was monetarily rewarded. Besides hunting was also viewed as a sign of bravery.