Forests have occupied a significant place in the environmental history of the Indian subcontinent, shaping ecological systems, economic activities, social relations, and cultural practices. In precolonial India, forests covered extensive areas of the landscape, although their distribution varied according to geographical conditions, climate, and human settlement patterns. The relationship between human communities and forests was complex, involving dependence, adaptation, conservation, and gradual transformation. Deforestation in this period occurred due to agricultural expansion, urbanisation, state formation, and commercial activities, but its scale, intensity, and consequences differed considerably from those witnessed during the colonial and modern periods. The extent of forests in precolonial India was vast, though exact measurements are difficult because systematic forest surveys were not conducted before the colonial period. Historical records, travellers’ accounts, literary sources, inscriptions, and archaeological evidence indicate that large parts of the subcontinent were covered with forests, grasslands, and wooded landscapes. The Himalayan region, the Western Ghats, central India, the northeastern regions, and parts of the Deccan plateau contained dense forests. These forests included tropical evergreen forests, deciduous forests, thorn forests, mangroves, and mountain forests, each supporting diverse ecosystems. The forests of the Himalayan region were characterised by coniferous and broad-leaved trees, while the Western Ghats contained rich tropical forests with high biodiversity. Central India had extensive deciduous forests dominated by species such as teak and sal. The northeastern region, including present-day Assam and surrounding areas, had dense forests due to high rainfall. Coastal regions contained mangrove forests that played important ecological roles. The diversity of forest environments contributed to the availability of timber, fuel, medicinal plants, food resources, and materials for crafts. In precolonial society, forests were not viewed merely as empty spaces or unused land. They were integral to the lives of many communities, particularly tribal and forest-dwelling groups. Communities such as the Bhils, Gonds, Santhals, and various northeastern groups developed systems of resource use based on local ecological knowledge. They collected forest produce such as fruits, roots, honey, bamboo, lac, medicinal plants, and leaves. Hunting, fishing, shifting cultivation, and pastoral activities were common forms of livelihood. Many communities maintained cultural and spiritual relationships with forests, considering certain trees, groves, and landscapes sacred. Agricultural expansion was