Bishnoi movement

Bishnoi Movement in India

1. BISHNOI MOVEMENT By Pronay Sarkar BOTANY 1 st YEAR

2. BISHNOI MOVEMENT Year: 1700s Place: Khejarli , Marwar region, Rajasthan state. Leaders: Amrita Devi along with Bishnoi villagers in Khejarli and surrounding villages. Aim: Save sacred trees from being cut down by the king’s soldiers for a new palace

3. Introduction Amrita Devi, a female villager could not bear to witness the destruction of both her faith and the village’s sacred trees. She hugged the trees and encouraged others to do the same. 363 Bishnoi villagers were killed in this movement. The Bishnoi tree martyrs were influenced by the teachings of Guru Maharaj Jambaji , who founded the Bishnoi faith in 1485 and set forth principles forbidding harm to trees and animals . The king who came to know about these events rushed to the village and apologized, ordering the soldiers to cease logging operations. Soon afterward, the maharajah designated the Bishnoi state as a protected area, forbidding harm to trees and animals. This legislation still exists today in the region.

4. RULES OR COMMANDMENTS OF BISHNOI COMMUNITY Guru Jambheshwar (b. 1451) is the founder of the Bishnoi community. Before his death, he had laid down 29 principles to be followed by the Killing animals and felling trees were banned. Before his death he has stated that the black buck was his manifestation after death and should be conserved. Rules:- To observe segregation of the mother and newborn for 30 days after delivery To keep woman away from all activities for 5 days during her menstrual periods To take early morning bath daily .

5. To maintain both external and internal cleanliness and remaining content. To meditate twice a day i.e. morning and evening (times when night is being separated from the day) To sing the Lord’s glory and reciting His virtues every evening. To offer daily oblation to the holy fire with a heart filled with feelings of welfare, love and devotion Use filtered water, milk and carefully cleaned fuel/ firewood. Filter your speech: Think before you speak. To be forgiving in nature. To be compassionate. Not to steal Not to revile/ condemn someone. Not to tell lies Not to indulge in opprobrium

6. RECENT TRENDS OF BISHNOI MOVEMENT In memory of the 363 Bishnois , who died protecting their dear trees, a number of khejri trees are planted around the area, which is still notably lush and rich with animal life. The Bishnoi sacrifices became the inspiration for a much larger Chipko movement that is still growing today, in which villagers physically embrace trees to save them from logging . It is heart-warming to notice that the younger generation of Bishnois is slowly taking over the reigns of protecting the Earth in their own ways. We are optimistic that this new generation, armed with increased environmental consciousness and mass support for eco conservation will be successful in preserving the priceless treasures of this world.