Question:
How was the colonial management of forests in Bastar similar to that of Java?
Answer:
The British (in Bastar) and Dutch (in Java) management of forests were very similar and narrow-minded:
The colonial government imposed new forest laws according to which two-thirds of the forests were reserved. Shifting cultivation, hunting and collection of forest produce was banned. Most people in forest villages were displaced without notice or compensation. In the same way, when the Dutch gained control over the forests in Java, they enacted forest laws, restricting villagers' access to forests. Now wood could only be cut for specific purposes and from specific forests under close supervision. Villagers were punished for grazing cattle, transporting wood without a permit or travelling on forest road with horse-carts or cattle. Both followed a system of forestry which was known as scientific forestry. In both the places Forest Acts meant severe hardship for villagers. Their everyday practices— cutting wood for their houses, grazing their cattle, collecting fruits and roots, hunting and fishing became illegal. Constables and forests guards began to harass people.
