Bishnoi Community in Rajasthan

Much before the terms ‘ecology’ and ‘environment’ became overused, a number of Indian communities had realised the importance of taking care of nature. It did not need many scientific explanations to understand that looking after their immediate environment was nothing but essential. Over a period of time, these beliefs got ritualised - certain trees and medicinal plants became holy and no one would touch them for firewood or house building. Certain customs evolved because they helped in preserving the bio-systems and hence human life. We still have a lot to learn from these traditional communities, which have practiced eco-protection for centuries.

The downfall in terms of degradation started in the 20th Century itself with the opening up of railways and road systems. The big shikars, which took place when the viceroys, maharajas and their entourages shot hundreds of Tigers and Elephants in a day, happened in the late 19th or the early 20th century. The awareness happened belatedly after a lot of damage had already been done. However, in the recent years, some habitats are showing signs of recovery and the number of Tigers and other animals in some protected areas have started showing promise.

However, the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan have been identified as conservators. Located mostly in pockets of western Rajasthan, especially in the Jodhpur and Bikaner areas, it is not unusual to see deer, for example, foraging in their fields without fear.

The Bishnois are followers of the 15th century saint, Guru Jambeshwar who, following a particularly prolonged period of drought, bade all his followers protect all animal and plant life, since it seemed the only way to nurture nature. Ever since, their sanctity has extended to all trees and animals and they do not allow either felling or hunting on their lands.

They also believe that in their afterlife they will be reincarnated as deer, which could be the reason why herds are never too far from their fields. The Bishnoi men are distinguished by their large, white turbans, while the women wear earth colours and have a particularly ostentatious nose ring that establishes their identity. Cattle rearing and agriculture are dominant pursuits.