Question

explain three causes of deforestation in India under the conical rule

Answer 1

The disappearance of forests is referred to as deforestation. Deforestation is not a recent problem, the process began many centuries ago ; but under colonial rule it became more systematic & extensive. 

Factors that led to deforestation are - 

1) In 1600 approximately one-sixth of india 's landmass was under cultivation. Now that figure has gone upto about half [i.e 3/6] . As population increased over the years, demand for food went up.

2) Peasants extended the boundaries of cultivation, clearing forests & breaking new land. 

3) In the colonial period, cultivation expanded for a variety of reasons: 
* The British encouraged the production of crops like cotton, jute, sugar, etc. as the demand for these crops increased in Europe. 
* The colonial state thought that forests were unproductive, the forestland had to be brought under cultivation so that land could yield revenue. 

4) Between 1880 & 1920 cultivated area rose by 6.7 million hectares. 

5) Large areas of natural forests were also cleared to make way for tea, coffee & rubber plantations to meet Europe 's growing need. 

6) The colonial govt. took over the forests & gave vast areas to European planters at cheap rates. These areas were enclosed & cleared of forests, & planted with tea or coffee. 

7) In 1850s, in the Madras Presidency alone 35,000 trees were being cut annualy for sleepers [ to fulfill the need of Railways]. 

Answer 2

Population increased, the demand for food went up.
British encouraged the production of commercial crops.
Forest were unproductive.
The spread of railways from 1850s.
By the early 19th century, oak forests in England were disappearing. This created a problem of timber supply for the Royal Navy.
Emergence of Plantations.
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