Protecting trees

GEETA RAMANUJAM

The Bishnois of Rajasthan are legendary protectors of trees, birds and animals. Their villages are in the northern part of Rajasthan, in the Thar desert. Khijri trees thrive here and birds and animals abound. The following is a true story with a little modification in details.

About 300 years ago, Raja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur decided to build a new palace. The responsibility fell upon his able minister Giridhardas. It was estimated that several thousands of firewood would be needed to burn bricks and prepare material for mortor.

Giridhardas ,anticipating resistance decided to accompany the first team of choppers. So one morning 10 men carrying axes accompanied with Giridhardas arrived in a Bishnoi village. They began axing a Khijri tree. Amrita Devi was in her hut getting her husband's lunch ready. Ramoji, her husband was working in the fields.

On hearing the strange sound of the axe falling on the tree, Amrita Devi sent her daughter to investigate. The girl returned speechless. Amrita rushed out of the house to see. Addressing her, Giridhardas said, "We have come from Jodhpur to get wood for the Rajah's new palace. I am his minister."

"But this is a living tree, you cannot cut it," answered Amrita Devi and put her arms around the tree. Giridhardas ordered his men to chop off her head. They did so. Then Amrita's daughter embraced the Khijri. She too was struck down. The 80 Bishnoi villages were informed and there was a chain of murders. The story is terrible but it is true.

Today we talk of environmental protection and conservation of forests and trees, but how many of us are really concerned or care about nature is the question.

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