Question

Why did the colonial rule consider forest as unproductive.

Answer 1

 The colonial rulers considered forests as unproductive because:They considered cultivated lands as sign of progress and not nature in its natural self.Forests were considered to be wilderness which was of no use to humans. They preferred scientific forestry instead.The colonials thought that this wilderness had to be brought under cultivation to yield agricultural products and revenue, and enhance the income of the state.They thought that the use of forests by local people and the reckless felling of trees by traders would destroy forests.The colonial rulers basically wanted to use the Indian lands/forests for the following needs;Commercial agricultural crops suited for European needs.Plantation crops.Needed forests in order to build ships and railways.