Consider the following statements regarding the impact of forest laws on tribal livelihoods: 1. Tribals were unaffected by the new laws and continued their traditional lives. 2. Jhum cultivators were restricted from accessing reserved forests. 3. The British faced a labour shortage for cutting trees as a result of displacing tribals. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is (c). Explanation The British colonial administration enacted various Forest Acts (most notably in 1865, 1878, and 1927) to secure control over timber resources, which were essential for railway expansion and shipbuilding. These laws reclassified forests into categories such as Reserved, Protected, and Village forests, fundamentally altering the traditional rights of tribal communities over forest resources. Statement-wise Analysis - Statement 1 is Incorrect. Tribal groups were severely affected by the new forest laws. Their traditional rights to graze cattle, collect fruits and roots, and hunt or fish were restricted or criminalized. Many tribal communities were displaced from their homes in the forests, forcing them to search for work in mines and plantations under exploitative conditions. - Statement 2 is Correct. The British administration viewed shifting cultivation (Jhum or Podu) as harmful to the forests because it made the land unsuitable for growing railway timber (like Sal and Teak) and increased the risk of forest fires. Consequently, Jhum cultivators were banned from practicing shifting cultivation in Reserved Forests, leading to widespread displacement and unrest. - Statement 3 is Correct. While the British wanted to expel tribals to protect timber, they inadvertently created a labour shortage for cutting trees and transporting logs. To resolve this, colonial officials established "forest villages". In these villages, tribals were given small patches of land to cultivate on the specific condition that they provided cheap or free labour to the Forest Department for logging and maintenance. Key Takeaway British Forest Laws transformed tribal customary rights into privileges or crimes. While the primary aim was timber extraction, the resulting labour shortage forced the administration to re-integrate some tribals through the "forest village" system, tying habitation rights to compulsory labour.

NCERT Class 8 History — Chapter 3: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

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Consider the following statements regarding the impact of forest laws on tribal livelihoods:

Tribals were unaffected by the new laws and continued their traditional lives.
Jhum cultivators were restricted from accessing reserved forests.
The British faced a labour shortage for cutting trees as a result of displacing tribals.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

A1 and 2 only
B2 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is (c).

Explanation

The British colonial administration enacted various Forest Acts (most notably in 1865, 1878, and 1927) to secure control over timber resources, which were essential for railway expansion and shipbuilding. These laws reclassified forests into categories such as Reserved, Protected, and Village forests, fundamentally altering the traditional rights of tribal communities over forest resources.

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Tribal groups were severely affected by the new forest laws. Their traditional rights to graze cattle, collect fruits and roots, and hunt or fish were restricted or criminalized. Many tribal communities were displaced from their homes in the forests, forcing them to search for work in mines and plantations under exploitative conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct. The British administration viewed shifting cultivation (Jhum or Podu) as harmful to the forests because it made the land unsuitable for growing railway timber (like Sal and Teak) and increased the risk of forest fires. Consequently, Jhum cultivators were banned from practicing shifting cultivation in Reserved Forests, leading to widespread displacement and unrest.
Statement 3 is Correct. While the British wanted to expel tribals to protect timber, they inadvertently created a labour shortage for cutting trees and transporting logs. To resolve this, colonial officials established "forest villages". In these villages, tribals were given small patches of land to cultivate on the specific condition that they provided cheap or free labour to the Forest Department for logging and maintenance.

Key Takeaway

British Forest Laws transformed tribal customary rights into privileges or crimes. While the primary aim was timber extraction, the resulting labour shortage forced the administration to re-integrate some tribals through the "forest village" system, tying habitation rights to compulsory labour.

Your note

More from Chapter 3: Tribals, Dikus and the Vision of a Golden Age

With reference to the practice of jhum cultivation (shifting cultivation) in the nineteenth century, consider the following statements: 1. It was primarily practised on small patches of land in forests. 2. Cultivators used chemical fertilizers to fertilise the soil. 3. Seeds were broadcast or scattered on the field instead of ploughing the land. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following pairs regarding tribal groups and their traditional occupations in the nineteenth century: 1. Khonds : Hunter-gatherers 2. Baigas : Reluctant to work for others 3. Van Gujjars : Settled plough cultivators How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

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Consider the following statements regarding the Baiga tribe of Central India: 1. They readily accepted work as labourers for the British. 2. They were known as the best hunters among the adivasis in Central India. 3. Women were responsible for gathering forest produce like firewood. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following tribal groups were considered "more civilised" by British officials compared to hunter-gatherers?

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Why were the British uncomfortable with shifting cultivators? 1. They were easier to control and administer compared to settled peasants. 2. Their movement made it difficult for the state to collect a regular revenue. 3. Shifting cultivation destroyed the timber required for railway sleepers. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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The correct option is (c).

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis

Statement 1 is Incorrect. Tribal groups were severely affected by the new forest laws. Their traditional rights to graze cattle, collect fruits and roots, and hunt or fish were restricted or criminalized. Many tribal communities were displaced from their homes in the forests, forcing them to search for work in mines and plantations under exploitative conditions.
Statement 2 is Correct. The British administration viewed shifting cultivation (Jhum or Podu) as harmful to the forests because it made the land unsuitable for growing railway timber (like Sal and Teak) and increased the risk of forest fires. Consequently, Jhum cultivators were banned from practicing shifting cultivation in Reserved Forests, leading to widespread displacement and unrest.
Statement 3 is Correct. While the British wanted to expel tribals to protect timber, they inadvertently created a labour shortage for cutting trees and transporting logs. To resolve this, colonial officials established "forest villages". In these villages, tribals were given small patches of land to cultivate on the specific condition that they provided cheap or free labour to the Forest Department for logging and maintenance.