Question

Which of the following statements are true?

(i) The demand for tea is mainland England contributed to deforestation in India.
(ii) Native forests in India were percieved as productive by the colonial powers.
(iii) At present, more than half of the Indian landmass is under cultivation.

• A. (i), (ii), (iii)
• B. (i), (ii)
• C. (ii), (iii)
• D. (i), (iii)

Answer 1

The correct option is D (i), (iii)

The colonial British Empire considered native forests, which were a mix of different plant species as 'unproductive'. Hence, plantations of the same variety of plants were planted in designated areas. Plants such as tea, coffee, jute, wheat, indigo had commercial value and were in demand in mainland Europe. The Indian subcontinent saw extensive and systemic deforestation to fulfil these demands. After, the independence, due to a growing Indian population, forest covers have shrunk to make way for cultivable lands. As of now, more than half of the Indian landmass is under cultivation.