Question

Write a short note on the Chipko Movement of the Bishnoi.

Answer 1

1. Khejarli (Khejadli) is a village in Rajasthan inhabited by the Bishnoi community. The village derives its name from the Khejri trees.
2. The first Chipko Movement took place in the village of Khejadli in 1730 AD. During this movement, 363 Bishnois, under the leadership of Amrita Devi, sacrificed their lives to protect the sacred Khejri trees.
3. Amrita Devi declared, “If a tree is saved even at the cost of one’s head, it’s worth it.” She was killed by the people who came to cut the trees. Her three daughters, Asu, Ratna and Bhagubai,also laid down their lives to save the trees.
4. Inspired by Amrita Devi’s sacrifice, people from 83 Bishnoi villages joined the movement. A total of 363 Bishnois were killed while opposing the king. Later, the king realised his mistake and ordered the felling of trees to stop. Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur apologised to the Bishnoi community and issued a royal decree to protect trees and wildlife.
5. The 20th-century Chipko Movement in Uttar Pradesh followed the same method of hugging trees to protect them from being cut down.