Bishnoi Movement is one of the earliest recorded environmental movements in India, started in the 18th century by the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan. It is regarded as a turning point in ecological conservation and has inspired many later movements like the Chipko Movement. Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi and villagers of Khejarli, the movement is remembered for its unique strategy of hugging trees to protect them from being cut.

Here we cover the history, objectives, significance, and success of the Bishnoi Movement, which is especially related for UPSC Environment and Ecology preparation.

What is the Bishnoi Movement?

The Bishnoi Movement began in 1730 AD in Khejarli village (Jodhpur, Rajasthan). When the then king Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur ordered trees to be cut for palace construction, the Bishnoi community was strongly against the act. 

Amrita Devi Bishnoi, along with 363 villagers, sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees (Prosopis cineraria). Here, we have also provided the quick facts related to the Bishnoi Movement:

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Also Read: Chipko Movement In India 1973

Origin of Bishnoi Movement

The roots of the Bishnoi Movement go back to the 15th century, when Guru Jambheshwar (also called Jambhoji) founded the Bishnoi sect in the state of Rajasthan. He laid down 29 principles (Bishnoi = 29) that focused on environmental conservation, non-violence, and compassion.

Some of his Important teachings included:

• “Runkh Lila Nahi Ghavye” – Do not cut green trees.
  
• “Jeev Daya Palani” – Show compassion to all living beings.

Thus, when the king’s soldiers came to fell trees in 1730, the Bishnois resisted in line with their faith and principles.

The Khejarli Massacre

The incident is famously called the Khejarli Massacre. When soldiers arrived to cut trees:

• Bishnoi movement was started by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, when she hugged a Khejri tree and declared:
  “A chopped head is cheaper than a felled tree.”
• She was killed on the spot.
  
• Her three daughters Asu, Ratni, and Bhagu followed her example.
  
• One by one, 363 villagers sacrificed their lives, hugging trees and refusing to step aside.

This incident deeply shook the Maharaja, who later issued a royal decree banning tree felling in Bishnoi villages.

Objectives of the Bishnoi Movement

The Bishnoi Movement had four primary objectives:

1. Conservation of Biodiversity – To maintain ecological balance and to make sure sustainable living.
   
2. Promotion of Health and Hygiene – Personal cleanliness and community health were focused on.
   
3. Protection of Flora and Fauna – Strict advocacy against cutting green trees or harming animals.
   
4. Sustainable Livelihood – Preserving forests for fuel, fodder, and long-term survival.
   

These objectives reflected both the spiritual teachings of Guru Jambheshwar and the practical needs of different desert communities.

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Bishnoi Movement Leader: Amrita Devi Bishnoi

Amrita Devi is considered the Bishnoi Movement leader. Her courageous sacrifice, along with her daughters, transformed the protest into a mass resistance movement.

To honor her legacy, the Government of India instituted the Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award in 2001. It recognizes individuals and institutions contributing significantly to wildlife and environmental conservation.

Bishnoi Community – The First Environmentalists of India

The Bishnoi community is often called the first environmentalists of India because of their eco-friendly lifestyle and religious devotion to nature.

Key Features of the Bishnoi Community:

• Location: Mainly in Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Population: Around 600,000 followers across India.
• Practices: Strictly prohibit cutting green trees, killing animals, or polluting water bodies.
• Livelihood: Dependent on agriculture, animal husbandry, and dairy.
• Beliefs: Consider trees and wildlife sacred, often treating animals like family members.

Interestingly, Bishnois bury their dead instead of cremating to avoid cutting trees for firewood, aligning their funeral practices with environmental values.

Success and Impact of the Bishnoi Movement

The Bishnoi Movement achieved remarkable success both in the short term and in the long term.

• The Maharaja of Jodhpur banned tree felling in Bishnoi villages after the massacre.
• The movement inspired future environmental struggles, most notably the Chipko Movement (1970s) led by Sunderlal Bahuguna.
• It popularized the tree-hugging strategy, which later became a global symbol of eco-protest.
• The Bishnoi community of Rajasthan continues to play a key role in wildlife protection, often risking their lives to save animals like the blackbuck.

Awards and Recognition

• Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award (2001) – National award for contributions to wildlife protection.
• Amrita Devi Bishnoi Smriti Paryavaran Award (Rajasthan Government) – State-level award recognizing grassroots conservation efforts.

Bishnoi Movement vs Chipko Movement

The Bishnoi Movement (1730) in Rajasthan focused on the importance of sacrifice to protect khejri trees, while the Chipko Movement (1970s) in Uttarakhand employed non-violent tree-hugging protests to halt deforestation. Both highlight India’s legacy of grassroots environmentalism, with Bishnois showing martyrdom and Chipko activists focusing on collective resistance. Check below.

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Legacy of the Bishnoi Movement

The Bishnoi Movement left a lasting legacy in Indian and global environmental history:

• Cultural Impact: Focus on ecological values in daily life practices. It focuses on the importance of saving trees for future generations.
• Ecological Awareness: Focused on the connection between biodiversity and sustainable living.
• Policy Influence of the Bishnoi Movement: Inspired conservation laws, community forest rights, and eco-protection awards.
• Modern Relevance of this Movement: In an age of climate change, the Bishnoi philosophy of living in harmony with nature holds great value.

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