Who benefited more from deforestation in the colonial period?

Correct answer: Colonial state and commercial interests

Direct answer: A, the colonial state and commercial interests. Deforestation could bring land revenue to the colonial government and provide timber or other forest products for trade, construction and transport. Commercial groups could profit from selling or using these resources, while the state gained revenue and strengthened control over forests. B is wrong because wild animals generally lose shelter and food when forests are cleared. C is too narrow and has no historical basis; deforestation was not carried out only for children. D is wrong because rivers are natural features, not the principal economic beneficiaries of forest clearing. A useful warning is that “benefited” here refers to institutions and commercial interests that gained money or resources, not to every person living nearby. Local communities often faced restrictions and losses instead.