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The chapter Forest, Society and Colonialism explains the relationship between forests and people and how this relationship changed during colonial rule. It helps Class 9 students understand how forests were used by local communities before the British period and how colonial laws affected their lives. This chapter also highlights the impact of commercial forestry, forest laws, and resistance movements. By studying this topic, students learn how colonial policies changed the environment, economy, and traditional rights of forest communities.
We provide the best-quality notes for all subjects so that students can revise quickly during exams and tests. These notes help you plan an effective revision strategy in a short time.
Today, we are sharing Class 9 Forest, Society and Colonialism Important Notes in a clear, sequence-wise manner to make learning simple and interesting.
Forest, Society And Colonialism Notes Class 9 PDF
The chapter becomes simple once you follow the logical sequence of events, from deforestation to the rise of scientific forestry and its impact on forest communities.
It explains how forests supported human civilization, provided food, fuel and shelter and how colonial policies disrupted these traditional systems.
These notes are perfect for quick revision, helping students grasp key points, understand causes and effects and remember facts easily for exams, making preparation faster and more efficient.
1. Forests
Forests play a crucial role in our environment. They provide:
- Food, fruits, fibres
- Fuel and fodder
- Shelter to different tribes
From ancient times, forests have supported human civilization and population growth.
2. Deforestation
Deforestation is the large-scale cutting of trees to clear land for farming and settlements.
Key points:
- In 1600, about 80% of India’s land was used for farming.
- Britishers encouraged commercial farming of crops like jute, cotton, sugar and indigo to increase revenue.
- Forests were seen as “unproductive” if not used for crops.
- Wood from Indian forests was exported to England to meet their requirements.
- Railways were installed after clearing forests; e.g., in 1850, Madras Presidency saw around 35,000 trees cut for railways and farming.
3. The Rise of Commercial Forestry
Due to decreasing forests, the British government appointed Dietrich Brandis, a German forest expert, as the Inspector General of Forests.
He:
- Helped formulate the Indian Forest Act of 1865
- Introduced scientific forestry
- Established the Forest Research Institute in Dehradun (1906)
Scientific forestry focused on commercial timber production rather than forest conservation.
4. Impact on Forest Dwellers and Villagers
Villagers and tribals relied on forests for:
- Food, tubers, fruits, seeds, nuts
- Fuel and medicinal herbs
The Forest Act imposed restrictions on:
- Cutting wood for houses
- Collecting fruits and roots
- Hunting and fishing
Forest guards often demanded bribes for collecting forest produce.
5. Shifting Cultivation
Shifting cultivation involved:
- Clearing a part of the forest
- Burning trees
- Using ashes as fertilizer
Restrictions severely affected forest communities like the Baigars in Central India.
- Tribes lost hunting rights.
- Hunting became a sport for colonisers who considered animals a threat to farmers.
6. Revolt of Bastar
- Location: Chhattisgarh
- Tribes: Gonds, Dhurwas, Bhatras
- Cause: Loss of forest rights due to British reserved forest policies
- Outcome: Dhurwas revolted by attacking police stations, banks and British offices
- British suppressed the revolt using military force
- Post-independence: Forests were used for industrial purposes; tribals remained excluded
7. Forest Transformation in Java Island
- Location: Indonesia
- Colonised by Dutch in 1600
- Forests destroyed for timber and commercial use
- Tribal people were restricted from using forests for survival
8. Views on Scientific Forestry
- Governments in Asia and Africa now see its disadvantages
- Scientific forestry often excluded local communities, causing conflicts
- Conservation today involves forest communities
- Sacred groves in India (e.g., Mizoram and Kerala) survived due to community protection
The chapter Forest, Society and Colonialism helps students understand the complex relationship between humans and forests during colonial times. It shows how forests were not only vital for survival but also deeply connected to the lives of tribal communities.
In this chapter, students learn the importance of sustainable forest management and the role of communities in protecting natural resources. These notes provide a clear, concise and structured overview, making revision easy and helping students remember key concepts quickly.
FAQs
Q1. What is deforestation?
Ans. Deforestation is the large-scale cutting of trees to clear land for farming, settlements or commercial use.
Q2. Who was Dietrich Brandis?
Ans. Dietrich Brandis was a German forest expert appointed by the British as Inspector General of Forests in India. He introduced scientific forestry and helped draft the Indian Forest Act of 1865.
Q3. What was the impact of forest laws on villagers and tribals?
Ans. Forest laws restricted cutting wood, collecting fruits, hunting and fishing. Tribals lost rights over forests and were often exploited by forest guards.
Q4. What is shifting cultivation and why was it banned?
Ans. Shifting cultivation involves clearing a part of the forest, burning trees and using ashes as fertilizer. It was banned because it conflicted with British commercial forestry goals.
Q5. What is the modern view on scientific forestry?
Ans. Today, scientific forestry recognizes the importance of involving forest communities in conservation. Sacred groves protected by villagers in India are examples of successful community-based forest management.
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