The Bishnois of Rajastan have been famous for concern for trees,birds,and animals.In 1731,Abhay Singh, the king of jodhpur, wanted larger quantities of wood for burning bricks to build his new palace.He sent his minister Giridhardas,with wood cutters to cut the trees in the forest near the Bishnoi villages.
Amritadevi,a mother of three,wanted to save trees.She hugged a tree and begged Giridhardas and the cutters to stop the operation.Her daughters too followed example.Giridhardas ordered the men to proceed and they cut down the trees and the women.The news spread and more villagers came to rescue of the trees.But the cutting continued and by nightfall,363 people had given their lives in the cause of the forest.
When the king heard the news,he was over come with remorse.he then banned felling of trees in the Bishnoi forests forever.
Recently,the government of India has instituted the Amritadevi Wildlife protection award,to be given to village communities that show valour and courage for the protection of forests and wildlifes.
Amritadevi,a mother of three,wanted to save trees.She hugged a tree and begged Giridhardas and the cutters to stop the operation.Her daughters too followed example.Giridhardas ordered the men to proceed and they cut down the trees and the women.The news spread and more villagers came to rescue of the trees.But the cutting continued and by nightfall,363 people had given their lives in the cause of the forest.
When the king heard the news,he was over come with remorse.he then banned felling of trees in the Bishnoi forests forever.
Recently,the government of India has instituted the Amritadevi Wildlife protection award,to be given to village communities that show valour and courage for the protection of forests and wildlifes.
