Question

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

Answer 1

1. Chipko Movement of Bishnoi or Bishnoi Andolan: Khejarli or Khejadli is a village in Rajasthan, where the Bishnoi community is located. The name of the town is derived from the Khejri trees.
2. The first event of the Chipko Movement took place in Khejadli village in 1730 AD. In this village, 363 Bishnois, led by Amrita Devi, sacrificed their lives to protect the Khejri trees, which are considered sacred by the Bishnois.
3. Amrita Devi said, “If a tree is saved even at the cost of one’s head, it’s worth it”. She was killed with the axes that were brought to chop off the trees. The three young daughters, Asu, Ratna and Bhagubai, also sacrificed their lives for trees.
4. 83 Bishnoi villages came together, and villagers sacrificed their lives after hearing about Amrita Devi’s sacrifice. Three hundred and sixty-three Bishnois were killed as they opposed the king. After realising the mistake, the king ordered the stoppage of the felling of trees. Honouring the courage of the Bishnoi community, the ruler of Jodhpur, Maharaja Abhay Singh, apologized. He issued a royal decree to protect trees and wildlife.
5. Chipko movement of 20^th century in Uttar Pradesh also followed the same pattern of embracing the trees and saving them from cutting.