Why did the people of Bastar see forest reservation as a threat to their freedom?

Correct answer: Because old forest uses would depend on government permission

The direct answer is A: old forest uses would depend on government permission. A reserved forest was not simply an open forest; the government marked it, made rules for it and limited customary activities. Step by step: people traditionally collected produce, grazed animals or used forest paths; reservation created legal restrictions; activities that had once been customary could require permission or become prohibited; this made people feel that their freedom and livelihood were threatened. Option A is correct. Option B is wrong because reservation did not end all taxes. Option C is the opposite of the policy: reserved forests were more controlled, not completely open. Option D is wrong because reservation did not mean that the British army would leave. The exact restriction varied by rule, but the general effect was reduced local access. Memory cue: reserved means government rules first, customary access second.