How should some pastoralists turning to cultivation after pasture decline be understood?

Correct answer: As a livelihood strategy under colonial pressure

The direct answer is B: it was a livelihood strategy adopted under colonial pressure. Pastoralists depended on access to pasture, water, and seasonal routes. When forests were restricted, grazing land was taken for cultivation or plantations, taxes increased, and movement became controlled, their old livelihood could no longer support the same number of animals. Some pastoralists therefore began cultivating land, partly or fully, to obtain food and income. This was adaptation to changed conditions, not proof that they disliked animals or freely chose a luxurious lifestyle. Option B is correct because it links occupational change with pressure and survival. Option A is wrong because cultivation was not a luxury in this context. Option C is wrong because changing work does not show hatred of animals. Option D is wrong because cultivation did not mean getting a Forest Department job. Reasoning: pasture decline and restrictions → old livelihood weakened → cultivation used as an alternative. Memory cue: livelihood change under pressure is adaptation, not necessarily free choice.