Why was deforestation central in the conflict between forest society and colonial rule?

Correct answer: Because control over forest resources brought local livelihoods into conflict with colonial profit

Colonial rulers increased state control over forests for timber, railway sleepers and revenue, and encouraged large-scale clearing. This harmed the livelihoods and customary rights of communities dependent on grazing, shifting cultivation, fuelwood, fodder and forest produce. Thus, control over resources lay at the heart of the conflict. Option C is incorrect because forest laws restricted rather than expanded local rights. Exam tip: link state control, colonial profit and local livelihoods in your answer.