Question

Explain the reason for the rapid expansion of cultivation under colonial rule

Answer 1

In the colonial period, cultivation expanded rapidly for a variety of reasons. ... They were considered to be wilderness that had to be brought under cultivation so that the land could yield agricultural products and revenue, and enhance the income of the state.

Answer 2

Here is your answer ⤵⤵⤵⤵

In the colonial period, cultivation expanded for a variety of reasons.

✳ The British encouraged the production of commercial crops like jute, sugar, wheat and cotton. The demand for these crops increased in Europe where foodgrains were needed to feed the large growing population and raw materials were required for industrial production.

✳ The British thought that forests were unproductive. They were considered wilderness that had to be bought under agriculture so as to earn revenue and useful products.

✳ The spread of railways created new demand . Railways were essential to way transport goods for the British. Large number of trees were felled to lay railway tracks, for obtaining wood as fuel.

✳ Oak forests in England were fast  disappearing. This created problem of timber supply to Royal Navy. The forests of India were explored and forests were felled and timber was planted to meet the demand to build English ships

✳ The natural forests were cleared to make way for tea, coffee and rubber plantations. These areas were given to European planters at cheap rates.

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