Consider the following statements and choose the correct option: Statement - I: Many tribal groups reacted against the colonial forest laws. Statement - II: Songram Sangma in 1920 in Assam, and the forest satyagraha of the 1930s in the Central Provinces are the examples of reaction against the colonial forest laws by tribal people.

The correct answer is (I) is true but (II) is false. Key Points The life of tribal groups was directly connected to the forest. So changes in forest laws had a considerable effect on tribal lives. The British extended their control over all forests and declared that forests were state property. British stopped the tribal people from living inside forests. So in many regions, the Forest Department established forest villages to ensure a regular supply of cheap labour. That is why many tribal groups reacted against the colonial forest laws . Thus, Statement I is true. They disobeyed the new rules, continued with practices that were declared illegal, and at times rose in open rebellion. Such was the revolt of Songram Sangma in 1906 in Assam , and the forest satyagraha of the 1930s in the Central Provinces . So Statement II is false. Therefore we conclude that t he correct answer is (I) is true but (II) is false.