Question

Discuss why the colonial Government in India brought in the following laws. In each case explain how the law changed the lives of the pastoralists.

Forest Acts

Answer 1

Forest Acts: Various forest acts were enacted in order to produce commercially viable timber like deodar or sal. Some tracts of forests were declared ‘Reserved’ which meant pastoralists were denied access to these forests. Those that were classified as ‘Protected’, pastoralists had some customary grazing rights but their movements were restricted severely.  These laws were enacted as the colonial authorities believed that grazing destroyed roots and depleted the fertility of the forests. It affected the pastoralists in the sense that their movements were restricted with specific timings to control how much time they spent in the forests. One can safely say their lives were ruled by the permits of the forest departments.

Answer 2

the colonial Government in India brought in the following laws. In each case explain how the law changed the lives of the pastoralists.