Question

Name any two acts passed in the 19th century by the colonial government in India to restrict the movement of the nomads ?

Answer 1

The two acts that were passed in the 19th century by the colonial government in India to restrict the movement of the nomads are as follows:

1. Forest Act 1865 – This Act divided the forests into three categories: Reserved forest, Protected forest and village forest.
   1. Reserved forests – No pastoralist was permitted to even enter into these forests, leave alone taking anything for their daily utility products.
   2. Protected and village forests - In these forests few grazing rights were granted to the pastoralists but their movements were severely restricted.
2. Criminal Tribes Act (1871) - According to this Act pastoralists and nomadic communities such as craftsmen, artisans and traders were classified as Criminal Tribes. This movement made it impossible for the nomads to move around and they were forced to follow permanent settlement.