Why is it incomplete to explain deforestation under colonial rule only through agricultural expansion?

Correct answer: क्योंकि रेलवे, जहाज-निर्माण, बागान और राजस्व की जरूरतें भी जुड़ी थीं — Because railways, shipbuilding, plantations and revenue needs were also involved

Agricultural expansion was one important cause of deforestation, but it was not the only one under colonial rule. Colonial governments cleared forests to obtain timber for railway sleepers and construction, and shipbuilding also required large quantities of suitable wood. Commercial plantations of tea, coffee and rubber replaced natural forests in several regions. In addition, states encouraged clearing land to increase taxable agricultural revenue and support trade. Option A is correct because it brings these connected motives together. Option B is false because farming did affect forests; options C and D ignore human and commercial exploitation of timber.