Why was fodder important for people of Bastar?

For animals

Fodder means material such as grass, leaves or other suitable plant matter used to feed animals. In Bastar, many families depended on cattle and other livestock for farming, transport, milk and household support. Access to grazing areas and fodder was therefore closely connected with everyday livelihood. Colonial forest restrictions could make it difficult for people to maintain animals, so fodder became an important part of the wider forest-rights issue.

Option A is correct because fodder is meant for animals, especially livestock. Sea ships and railway engines require completely different materials or fuel, while dyeing cloth is unrelated to the basic meaning of fodder. The question also tests the connection between forests and rural life: forests supplied resources needed not only for food and fuel but also for animal rearing. Thus, fodder should be linked with pastoral and agricultural livelihood.

This is a Class 9 History question. Chapter: Forest Society and Colonialism. Topic: Rebellion in the Forest.