Answer:
The
British Government considered all uncultivated land as unproductive. They
wanted to transform all grazing lands into cultivated farms. Land revenue was the
main sources of its finance. So to increase its revenue the British Government
brought the pastures under cultivation.
The Colonial Government passed the 'Wasteland Rules By these rules
uncultivated lands were taken over and given to select individuals in a
concessional rate. In most areas the lands taken over were grazing lands used by
the pastoralists. So expansion of cultivation inevitably meant the decline of
pastures.
By the mid-19th century, various Forest Acts were implemented
in the different provinces of India. Forests were classified as 'Reserved' and
'Protected. No pastoralist was allowed to access to the 'reserved' forests.
In 'Protected' forest, some customary grazing
rights of pastoralists were granted but their movement was severely restricted.
The decline of pasture lands had a deep impact on the life
of pastoralists in following ways
§ The decreasing
pasture land posed problem for pastoralists, they reduced the number of cattle
in their herd.
§ Some pastoralists
discovered new pastures when movement to old pastures became difficult.
§ Some richer
pastoralists began buying land and settling down, giving up their nomadic life.
§ Some became settled
peasants who cultivated lands.
§ Some became labourers
working on fields or in small towns.
Some combined pastoral activities with other form of income
and adapted to the changes in the modern world.
You need to login to perform this action.
You will be redirected in
3 sec
