explain the causes of deforsestation in India during colonial time.

(i) In the colonial period, cultivation expanded rapidly for various reasons. First the British encouraged the production of commercial crops like jute, sugar, wheat and cotton. The demand for these crops increased in the 19th century and forests were cleared to meet the food grains and raw materials needed for industrial growth in Europe.

(ii) The spread of railways from 1850 created a new demand. To run locomotives, wood was needed as fuel and to lay railway lines sleepers were necessary to hold the tracks together. The government gave out contracts to individuals and the contractors began cutting the trees rapidly. Forests around the tracks disappeared.

(iii) Large areas of natural forests were cleared for tea, coffee and rubber plantations. Forests were cleared for them.

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Reasons for Deforestation: ï‚ In the colonial period, cultivation expanded rapidly for a variety of reasons.  The British demanded the production of commercial crops like jute, sugar, etc. for the rapidly growing European population.  In the early 19th century, the colonial state thought that forests were unproductive and must be cleared. ï‚ Vast quantities of timber were exported from India for building the British ships. ï‚ Railways also increased the demand for woods. ï‚ Large areas of natural forests were cleared for tea and coffee plantations for meeting the European demand.
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Reasons for Deforestation:
  • In the colonial period, cultivation expanded rapidly for a variety of reasons.
  • The British demanded the production of commercial crops like jute, sugar, etc. for the rapidly growing European population.
  • In the early 19th century, the colonial state thought that forests were unproductive and must be cleared.
  • Vast quantities of timber were exported from India for building the British ships.
  • Railways also increased the demand for woods.
  • Large areas of natural forests were cleared for tea and coffee plantations for meeting the European demand.
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