Why can deforestation be considered a sign of expansion of colonial power?

Correct answer: Because the state gained more control over land forest produce and labour systems

The direct answer is A: the state gained greater control over land, forest produce and labour systems. Deforestation was not only a change in the number of trees; it often accompanied new laws, surveys, boundaries, permits and rules that expanded colonial authority. The reasoning is: the colonial state claimed forests and land; it selected valuable timber or converted areas to plantations and cultivation; it regulated who could enter, graze animals, collect produce or work; revenue and extracted resources increased; therefore political control expanded along with deforestation. Option A is correct because it links land, resources and labour to state power. Option B is wrong because colonial rule moved further into forests rather than withdrawing. Option C is wrong because local communities generally lost independent control instead of gaining complete power. Option D is wrong because forests did not become uncontrolled; the state imposed more rules and supervision. Deforestation is therefore evidence of economic extraction and administrative expansion. Memory cue: more cutting often meant more state control and extraction.