HISTORY (IX) -LESSON 4
FOREST SOCIETY AND COLONIALISM
LESSON NOTES
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v Introduction:-
Ø Have
you ever thought about how forests influence our daily lives? From the paper in
your books to the spices in your food, and even the oil in chocolates—so much
comes from forests! Forests also provide homes to countless species, with
places like the Amazon forests and Western Ghats boasting
as many as 500 plant species in one patch.
Ø But
this diversity is under threat. Over centuries, forests have been cleared for
industries, farming, and fuel. In this chapter, we’ll explore how forests have
shaped societies, the impact of colonial rule on forest resources, and
how forest conservation became a global
concern.
v WHY
DEFORESTATION?
Ø Meaning:- Deforestation refers
to the disappearance of forests due to human activities, like
clearing land for agriculture or urban development.
v Reasons
for Deforestation:- Deforestation has been occurring for
a long time, but it began to spread rapidly during colonial rule. Here are the
causes :-
1. Change
in Land Use for Farming:- In 1600, only
about one-sixth of India’s land was under cultivation, but
today it has increased to nearly half. As the population expanded,
people began removing forests to create more farmland.
2. Commercial
Exploitation of Forest Resources:- The British promoted the
farming of crops like jute, cotton, and sugar to
meet Europe’s demand.
o The
colonial rulers believed that clearing forests for farming would generate more
agricultural products and income.
o From 1880
to 1920, the area used for cultivation expanded by 6.7 million
hectares.
3. Infrastructure Development:- The construction of railways, roads, and urbanization for the growing British-controlled economy led to the large-scale clearing of forests for space.
