CBSE 9th History CH 4 - Forest Society and Colonialism Notes

Class 9th - History

Forest Society and Colonialism - Full Chapter Explanation

Introduction

In this chapter, we will study the following topics:

1. Why Deforestation?
2. The Rise of Commercial Forestry
3. Rebellion in the Forest
4. Forest Transformations in Java

What is deforestation?

The disappearance of forests is referred to as deforestation. It is not a new phenomenon, and during colonial rule, it became more systematic and extensive.

1. Land to be improved [Industrial raw material, Food grains for growing population, and considering forests as unproductive]
2. Sleepers on the tracks [Railway, Royal British Navy]
3. Plantation [Plantation farming by European planters]

Why Deforestation?

In 1600, one-sixth of India’s landmass was under cultivation. With the increase in population and demand for food, peasants extended the boundaries of cultivation.

1. Growing urban population demanded more food crops. During the British period, production of commercial crops like jute, sugar, wheat, and cotton expanded.
2. Colonial government considered forest as unproductive and full of wilderness, hence land was to be brought under cultivation.
3. Between 1880 - 1920, cultivated area increased by 6.7 million hectares so that the British could get extra revenue.

Sleepers on the Tracks

Wood was required for the development of railways. It was used as fuel and to lay railway lines [sleepers]. For instance, each mile of railway track required between 1760 to 2000 sleepers. Over time, the railway network expanded, leading to huge deforestation.

1. Contractors accelerated the problem.
2. In Madras Presidency alone, 35,000 trees were being cut annually.

Role of the Royal Navy

Britain’s Royal Navy created a problem of deforestation in India. By the early nineteenth century, oak forests in England were disappearing, leading to a problem of timber supply for the Royal Navy. As a result, search parties were sent to India to explore resources, and vast quantities of timber were exported from India, leading to huge deforestation.

Plantations

Plantation farming is a form of commercial farming where crops are cultivated on large tracts of land for profit motives. Growing industries and trade demanded these crops, resulting in vast areas of natural forests being cleared for tea, coffee, and rubber plantations to meet Europe’s growing need.

The Rise of Commercial Forestry

Timber was essential for ships and railways. British were worried about the use of forests by local people as they might destroy the forest. Hence, German expert Dietrich Brandis was invited and made the First Inspector General of Forests in India.

Dietrich Brandis' Contribution

1. Set up Indian Forest Service in 1864 and helped formulate the Indian Forest Act of 1865, amended in 1878 and 1927.
2. Forests were divided into Reserved, Protected, and Village Forests. Villagers could not take anything from Reserved Forests, while permissions were granted in Protected Forests.
3. Imperial Forest Research Institute was set up in Dehradun in 1906. Scientific Forestry was taught there.

Scientific Forestry

Based on Dietrich Brandis’ ideas, Scientific Forestry was introduced in India. Natural forests were cut down and one type of tree was planted in straight rows, known as plantations. Forest officials surveyed the forest, made working plans for forest management, and replanted areas cut every year.

Different Perspectives on Forests

1. Villagers wanted a forest with a mixture of species to satisfy different needs such as fuel, fodder, and leaves.
2. British wanted a forest suitable for building or railways, needing trees with hardwood, tall and straight like teak and sal.

Impact on Villagers

Villagers depended on forest areas for food, herbs, agriculture implements, and more. The Forest Act caused severe hardship as cutting wood, grazing cattle, collecting fruits and roots, hunting, and fishing became illegal. People were forced to steal wood and other items, facing bribes, harassment, and free food demands from forest officials.

Shifting Cultivation

Shifting cultivation, also known as swidden agriculture, was practiced in many parts of Asia, Africa, and South America. It involved cutting and burning parts of the forest to sow seeds in the ashes after the first monsoon rains, growing a mixture of crops for a couple of years, and then leaving the plot for 12 to 18 years.

Effect on Shifting Cultivation

European foresters regarded shifting cultivation as harmful, leading to deforestation and difficulty in tax calculation. The government banned shifting cultivation, displacing many communities from their homes in forests and forcing them to change occupations.

Forest Rules and Hunting

New forest laws affected the lives of forest dwellers, prohibiting their customary practices. Hunting by tribals was banned, and if caught, they were punished for poaching. On the other hand, hunting of big game became a sport for the British, leading to the near extinction of various species.

Impact on Trade and Employment

Colonial control over forests opened up opportunities in trade for many communities. However, grazing and hunting by local people were restricted, causing many pastoralist and nomadic communities to lose their livelihoods. They were forced to work in factories, mines, and plantations under government supervision, facing low wages and poor working conditions.

Rebellion in the Forest

Forest communities rebelled against the changes imposed on them. One such rebellion took place in the Kingdom of Bastar in 1910, led by leaders like Siddhu and Kanu in Santhal Parganas, Birsa Munda of Chhattisgarh, and Alluri Sitarama Raju of Andhra Pradesh. They rebelled against suppression, injustice, and atrocities, mainly due to interference in their forest, culture, and life.

The People of Bastar

Communities such as Maria and Muria Gonds, Dhurawas, Bhatras, and Halbas live in Bastar, sharing common customs and beliefs. They worship the Earth, respect the spirits of rivers, forests, and mountains, and use natural resources within their boundary, paying a small fee if using resources from others’ boundaries.

Reasons for Rebellion in Bastar

The colonial government proposed to reserve two-thirds of the forest in 1905, stopping shifting cultivation, hunting, and collection of forest produce. People of Bastar were worried as some villages were allowed to stay in the reserved forest to work for the forest department, while others were displaced without notice or compensation. The people were already unhappy due to increased land rent, demand for free labor and goods by colonial officers, and famines in 1899-1900 and 1907-1908.

Start of the Rebellion

Discussions over the issue took place at public places, initiated by Dhurwas of Kanger forest. In 1910, Mango boughs, a lump of earth, chilies, and arrows began circulating between villages as a call to rebel against the British. Every village contributed to the rebellion expenses, with Gunda Dhur from Nethanar taking a leading role.