Colonial Agrarian Policies in the Tribal Areas of Madras Presidency: 1872–1947

This article analyses the colonial agrarian policies applied to the tribal areas of the Salem and Baramahal region of Madras Presidency during the survey and settlement period (1872–1947). It argues that those setting the colonial agrarian policy did not consider the economic disadvantages of the hill areas and forest-oriented tribal economy and treated them in line with the plains; mainly to extract the maximum land revenue. The article shows and confirms that colonial agrarian policy, from the late 19th century to the end of colonial rule, contributed to the deterioration of the tribal economy in Madras Presidency due to resulting restrictions on rights and access over land and forest.