A forest is a large area dominated by trees. Hundreds of more precise definitions of forest are used throughout the world, incorporating factors such as tree density, tree height, land use, legal standing and ecological function.
Classification of Forests according to the Forest Act of 1878:-
On the basis of the Forest Act 1878, forests were classified into the following three categories.
1) Reserved Forests :-
The best forests were called the Reserved Forests. The villagers were not allowed to take anything from these forests even for their personal use.
2) Protected Forests:-
These forests were protected from the villagers but they could collect wood from Protected forests.
3) Village Forests:-
These forests were located near the villages and could be exploited by the villagers but not for commercial purposes. The villagers could take wood from these forests to build their houses or for fuel.