WILDLIFE DESTRUCTION: A LEGACY OF THE COLONIAL STATE IN INDIA

Abstract

This research paper makes an endeavor to probe the aspects of green imperialism of the British in India. It is commonly believed that by the passing of various Acts and legislations, the British tried to protect India's wild life and forests. However the truth is very different. In order to refute this argument the paper addresses the following research questions: First, was there any serious case of wild life destruction in British India? Second , what was the motive behind hunting by theNLUJ Academic Use Only British? Third , whether princely rulers also acted as an active agents in collaboration with the British behind the wildlife destruction. Fourth, which category of wild life was destroyed in to the hunting expeditions? Fifth , what was the British attitude towards the hunting activities and knowledge of hunting of the tribal people and natives? This paper is based upon the hypothesis that a colonial state is essentially an exploitative state, which only looks the short-term interest of the metropolis and its protagonists and generally overlooks the interest of the subjugated region, its people and environment.