Indian Sandalwood: A History of Overexploitation and Endangerment

Abstract

This chapter traces the history of the decline of Indian sandalwood (Santalum album Linn.) from the beginning of the colonial period through to early decades of the twenty-first century. It argues that numerous historical factors must be considered in explaining the current crisis facing the species, including early colonial exploitation to ease the British East India Company trade deficit with China, the rise of sandal spike disease in the early twentieth century and the failure of scientific forestry methods to breed the species in plantations until the mid-twentieth century. However, it was not until the 1950–1980s that massive overharvest and mismanagement by the post-colonial state-run sandalwood oil industry brought the species to the brink of extinction. This crisis continues today—as sandalwood stocks in India continue to decline alongside long-standing industries and cultural practices.