The Bishnois of Rajasthan have been known for their concern for trees, birds, and animals. There is a legend behind this environmental sensitivity.
In 1731, Abhay Singh, the King of Jodhpur, wanted large quantities of wood for burning bricks to build his new palace. He sent his Minister, Giridhardas, with woodcutters to cut the trees in the Bishnoi village of Khejarli. Amritadevi, a mother of three, wanted to save the trees. She hugged a tree and begged Giridhardas and the cutters to stop the operation. Her daughters too followed her example. Giridhardas ordered the men to proceed and they cut down the trees and the women. The news spread and more villagers came to the rescue of the trees. But the cutting continued and, by nightfall, 363 people had given their lives in the cause of the forest. When the King heard the news, he was overcome with remorse. He banned felling of trees in the Bishnoi forests forever.
Whether this incident happened or not, the Bishnois have always conserved nature.
Sect founded by Jambaji
The Bishnoi sect was founded by Jambaji in the 15th century. When the area was hit by a drought, Jambaji had a vision that it was due to human interference with nature. Jambaji laid down many rules for his followers. Conservation of nature was given great importance in these rules. The killing of animals and the felling of green trees were banned. All life forms were to be protected. Dead bodies were to be buried to save wood. Water was to be conserved.
About 600,000 followers of the sect exist today and they are said to follow religiously the commandments of Jambaji. Every year, the Bishnois assemble at Khejarli to commemorate the sacrifice made by their ancestors. There have been many incidents of nature protection by this community in modern times. For example, they took a film actor to court for poaching blackbuck and gazelle and got a verdict against him.
The Government of India instituted the Amritadevi Wildlife Protection Award, to be given to village communities that show valour and courage for the protection of forests and wildlife. In 2018, the Champion of Earth title was given to the Bishnoi Samaj.
wow… it’s inspiring to read what ancestors have done to protect trees/ knowing the importance and connection to Mother Earth & Earthlings…this is happening today. However, to read about present-day legacy of younger generations living with joy & happiness towards the environment is very inspirational… I want to go visit and hug a tree with them.
The lady ‘Amritadevi’ did what she could (like the humming bird). Don’t think she would have had any clue about what that act would translate into. We just need to be brave enough to take that first step and do what we can from wherever we are 🙂
Yes, there are many such practices among communities that need to be nurtured and supported. While we copy the western societies on many things unwanted, we forget to see what is good in them. So also, there are many value related practices that are either forgotten or are being mechanically practiced, in India, just as a part of tradition. For example, I often see that when cooked food utensils are touched during meals there is a practice of dipping the hand or fingers into a vessel containing water. The real practice is to wash hands to ensure that the food vessels do not get contaminated. But it has now become a habit of merely touching water even if it is on the ground. On the other extreme, the current generation tend to ignore the essence of cleanliness altogether and use both the hands without distinction and are not willing to look into the value proposition in practices like that . All that one needs is a bit of sensitive thinking to make this earth a better place and Bishnois are a real good example of this.