Discuss why the colonial government in India brought in the following laws. In each case, explain how the law changed the lives of pastoralists?

Explanation

Wasteland rules: This law was implemented to take control over the land which was not under cultivation. The surplus land could be used to increase the area under cultivation and also to increase land revenue. This rule was responsible for the shrinkage of the pastureland which was earlier available.
Forest Act: These acts were made and enforced on the people to gain control of those forests which had commercially benefitting trees. Besides, these acts were also utilised to collect some revenue from the pastoralists. Because of these acts the movement of pastoralists were severely restricted . Instead of planning their movement according to the season, the pastoralists now had to move according to the new rules.
Criminal Tribes Act: Due to the implementation of the Act the nomadic tribes were forced to lead a settled life. It was difficult for the colonial governmen t to collect taxes from the nomadic people because they did not have permanent address. This disturbed their relationship with peasants and other mainstream communities. It also badly affected their earnings.
Grazing tax: It was introduced in order to widen the tax net. This tax put a new burden on the pastoralists.