From Forest Wealth to Timber Trade: A Trajectory of Change in Forest Policies under the Colonial Rule in North Bengal

Abstract

From time immemorial, Forest played an important role in maintaining ecology as well as in fulfilling the human needs. In the Mauryan period realising the importance of the vast forest tracts the Mauryan ruler took rigid step to protect the Forest Wealth. In the Colonial regime from the mid 19th century, impetus was given to the development of communication and transport system in North Bengal. A portion of North Bengal was covered with dense forest consisting of valuable trees. Prior to the Colonial rule the use of principal forest produce for commercial purpose was not in vogue in the North Bengal region. For serving the Colonial needs the forests of North Bengal were exploited by the Colonial Government. The Colonial masters generated a handsome profit by utilizing the forest resources of North Bengal. Here an attempt has been made to represent the use of principal forest wealth i.e. different kinds of wood or timber for commercial purpose in Colonial North Bengal.