Question

Discuss why the colonial government in india brought in the following laws. In each case, explain how the law changed the lives of pastoralists:​

Answer 1

Explanation:

$\orange{\odot}$ Waste land rules:- This law was implemented to take control over the land which was not under cultivation. The surplus land could be used to increase the area under cultivation and also to increase land revenue. This rule was responsible for the shrinkage of the pastureland which was earlier available.

$\orange{\odot}$ Forest Act:- These acts were made and enforced on the people to gain control of those forests which had commercially benefitting trees. Besides, these act were also utilised to collect some revenue from the pastoralists. Because of these acts the movement of pastoralists were severely restricted. Instead of planning their movement according to the season, the pastoralists now had to move according to the new rules.

$\orange{\odot}$ Criminal Tribes Act:- Due to the implementation of the Act the nomadic tribes were forced to lead a settled life. It was difficult for the colonial government to collect taxes from the nomadic people because they did not have permanent address. This disturbed their relationship with peasants and other mainstream communities. It also badly affected their earnings.

$\orange{\odot}$ Grazing tax:- It was introduced in order to widen the tax net. This tax put a new burden on the pastoralists.

Answer 2

Answer:

Waste Land Rules To the colonial offiicials all uncultivated land appeared to be unproductive. Therefore grazing lands were also considered as wastelands as they produced neither revenue nor agricultural produce. The colonial government wanted to bring the grazing lands under cultivation so that they could get revenue and agriculture goods form this land. According to wasteland rules, the uncultivated lands were taken over and given to select individuals who were granted concessions and encouraged to settle these lands. Therefore, expansion of cultivation inevitably meant the decline of pastures and created problems and hardships for the pastoralists