BISHNOI COMMUNITY
- Guru Jambheshwar established 29 principles for his followers, which form the foundation of the Bishnoi faith. The word "Bishnoi" is derived from "Bis" (twenty) and "Noi" (nine), referring to these 29 principles. The principles emphasize non-violence, compassion for all living beings, and environmental stewardship, which includes protection of trees and wildlife
- Bishnois are renowned for their unwavering dedication to environmental conservation. They are particularly known for their protection of animals, especially the blackbuck, an endangered species in India. They also strive to prevent deforestation and conserve water, as many of their practices revolve around preserving natural resources.
- The Bishnois gained widespread recognition for their 1730 sacrifice in the village of Khejarli, where 363 Bishnoi men and women, led by a woman named Amrita Devi, laid down their lives to protect sacred Khejri trees from being cut down by the royal army. This event is one of the earliest examples of eco-activism
- Bishnois practice vegetarianism and follow a lifestyle that avoids harm to living beings. They also refrain from cutting green trees and emphasize clean and sustainable living. These practices are closely linked to their spiritual beliefs, which integrate the welfare of nature into their daily lives
- In modern times, the Bishnoi community continues to actively protect wildlife and the environment. Their efforts to preserve blackbucks and their stance against poaching have earned them national and international recognition. Their deep-rooted eco-friendly practices serve as an inspiration for environmental movements across the globe
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The Bishnois are a Hindu sect living in the Western Thar desert and parts of northern India, with their roots in the teachings of Guru Jambhesvara, who was born into a Panwar Rajput family in 1451 AD in Peepasar village, Nagore district, Rajasthan.
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Guru Jambhesvara, influenced by Vaishnava traditions, is regarded by his followers as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. According to Bishnoi mythology, at the age of 25, a severe drought lasting a decade devastated Western Rajasthan. Due to the lack of water and food, people resorted to cutting down trees and hunting chinkaras and blackbucks for meat.
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Deeply affected by this disaster, Jambhesvara sought a solution and, at 34, experienced a spiritual awakening that led him to reform society around the principles of environmental conservation. He established 29 rules for his followers, encouraging them to live a balanced, healthy life.
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The name "Bishnoi" comes from these 29 rules, with "bish" meaning 20 and "noi" meaning 9. Of these rules, eight were directly related to environmental protection, such as preserving bulls from sterilization, banning the killing of animals, and prohibiting the cutting of trees. Other rules focused on social conduct and personal hygiene.
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Alongside the 29 rules, Jambhesvara's teachings are recorded in 120 verses, called "sabdas." These, along with the 29 principles, form the core of the Bishnoi faith, or their "Dharma." Many of the sabdas criticize harmful religious practices by both Hindus and Muslims that negatively impact the environment.
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The most famous example of the Bishnoi community's dedication to environmental protection is the 1730 Khejri massacre, where Amrita Devi and her daughters sacrificed their lives to prevent Maharaja Abhay Singh from cutting down Khejri trees in Rajasthan to build his palace. A total of 363 people are said to have died defending the trees.
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In 1978, the Bishnoi community opposed the hunting of the Great Indian Bustard in Jaisalmer by Arab sheiks. Their protest helped save the species from extinction, thanks to intervention by the Indian government.
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In 1998, Salman Khan, along with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, Sonali Bendre, and Neelam Kothari, was accused of poaching chinkara and blackbuck during the filming of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain' in Rajasthan. The testimonies of Poonamchand and Chhogaram Bishnoi were crucial in convicting Khan, though the final verdict in the case is still pending
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Blackbucks are native exclusively to the Indian subcontinent. Male blackbucks are characterized by their corkscrew-shaped horns and coats that range from black to dark brown, while females are fawn-colored. These animals are primarily found in three main regions of India: the north, south, and east. Thanks to conservation initiatives, the IUCN downgraded the blackbuck's status to 'Least Concern' in 2017. They are protected under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972. Hunting or poaching blackbucks is a non-bailable offense, punishable by up to six years in prison. The Bishnoi community holds these animals in reverence.
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The chinkara, also known as the Indian gazelle (Gazella bennettii), is an antelope species that is native to the Indian subcontinent. It is safeguarded by the Wildlife Protection Act and is included in Schedule 1. The chinkara is classified as 'Least Concern' on the IUCN Red List and serves as the state animal of Rajasthan.
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The Great Indian Bustard is a large bird species exclusive to India. It is recognized as a key indicator of grassland habitat health, meaning its well-being reflects the condition of these ecosystems. According to the Rajasthan Forest Department, its population has drastically decreased from approximately 700 individuals over the last four decades to fewer than 150 today. The IUCN Red List categorizes it as "critically endangered."
"Critically endangered" is a conservation status assigned to species that face an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild. This classification is part of the IUCN Red List, which assesses the conservation status of various species globally. A species is designated as critically endangered when it meets specific criteria, including:
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Population Decline: A significant reduction in population size, often exceeding 80% over the last three generations or in the past 10 years.
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Limited Geographic Range: The species may have a very small geographic range, with a population confined to a specific area, making it more vulnerable to threats.
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Threats: Ongoing threats such as habitat destruction, poaching, climate change, or invasive species that could further endanger the species' survival.
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Small Population Size: The total number of individuals may be very low, often fewer than 250 mature individuals, or fewer than 50 mature individuals in critical cases
For Prelims : IUCN, Critically endangered, Bishnoi community
For Mains: GS III - Environment & Ecology
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