EXAMINING THE MANIFESTATIONS OF HUMAN-WILDLIFE CONFLICT DURING THE COLONIAL PERIOD - THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF HUNTING AND BOUNTY SYSTEMS

Abstract

The history of human-animal conflict is rooted in the earliest stages of civilization itself. From the moment human beings began to establish societies, expand their settlements, agriculture, and industry, they inevitably encroached upon wildlife habitat, which resulted in disturbed relation between humans and animals. Consequently, they have contended with animals, leading to clashes over resources, territory, and survival.

Human-wildlife conflict describes the negative interactions that occur between human population and wild animals. The increasing human-wildlife conflict frequently leads to detrimental impacts such as damage to crops, livestock predation, injuries, or even fatalities. This escalation is largely driven by factors like population growth, deforestation, and urban expansion. Historically, human responses to this conflict have included hunting, habitat destruction, and protective measures like fencing and wildlife management strategies.

During British rule in India, hunting was more than just a pastime for British officials; it was a well-organized activity. They often took long breaks specifically to go on hunting trips. This became a popular leisure activity for the wealthy British, which not only stopped local people from hunting but also showed off British masculinity and their power over India. The British government intentionally used “trophy photos” of dead tigers. These photos were a strong visual way to show their power and to make the local people feel the strength of the British government.

Hunting also turned into a competition to see who could kill the most animals. For example, the Maharaja of Sarguja reportedly shot an incredible 1,157 tigers and 2,000 leopards. A British official named George Yule was said to have killed 400 tigers. At first, some forest areas were set aside only for the British elite to hunt in, which clearly showed how exclusive this activity was. The Forest Act of 1878 made hunting rules official by requiring licenses to hunt in state forests. This system made existing inequalities worse because Indians rarely, if ever, received licenses, and even not all Europeans got them