Villages of BISHNOI

Group of Bisnois

Before visiting this Bishnoi Village i wondered just for killing two, three black bucks why bishnois sent the indian super star Salman Khan behind the bars, instead they would have received crores of rupees as a bribe. I understood it only after knowing their touching story of khejarli massacre.

THE KHEJARLI MASSACRE

             The Bisnois narrate the story about the khejarli massacre that in 1730 AD A Bishnoi woman, 'Amrita Devi' came to know that a number of people had descended upon their village 'Khejarli'. They were sent by maharaja abhay singh, the ruler of the kingdom of jodhpur who wanted to get the wood by cutting the khejri trees and use them for the construction of his new palace. 

             Amrita Devi protested against the maharaja's men who were cutting green trees and made an agreement they can chopping off her head instead of the tree. She offered her head. the axes, which were brought to cut the trees, butchered her head along with her young daughter who also sacrificed her life for the cause. The news spread like a wild fire, the bishnoi of khejrali got infuriated and further extended the protest and decided that for every green tree to be cut one bishnoi volunteer would sacrifice his or her life. after intense hullabaloo the tree felling party return back to maharaja. Soon after maharaja learned about it he ordered the cutting of trees to be stopped immediately. by that time, Three Hundred and Sixty Three (363) bishnois, young and old men and women, married and unmarried, rich and poor, had already sacrificed their lives.

          In defence to their bravery, the maharaja apologised for the mistakes committed by his officials and issued an order that henceforth all cutting of green trees and hunting of animals within the premises of bishnoi villages was strictly prohibited. It was also ordered, that if by mistake any individual violated this order, he would be prosecuted by the state and a service penalty would be imposed on him, since then, nobody dares to tamper with the wildlife in the Bishnoi occupied areas.

Bishnoi women's daily activity 

Not only in the past but also to this day they remember the sacrifice of amrita devi and treat the animals and trees as part of them. 

Wall Painting of Bishnoi Woman in a house

   Recently in an incident a bishnoi was killed by the poachers when he tried to save the black buck. But his 75 year old father says that ' i miss my son but i feel proud of his death'.

Pottery

I was thrilled by seeing this man for the expertise he has got in making pottery. He explained us every thing in detail and made us understand. 

Carpet Making

This great skilled carpet maker explained me how they do it, the advantages of an handmade carpet.

Rajasthani Thali

Wall Painting in a House

After visiting to rural areas i felt that india is in villages, not in the metropolis. It is worth visiting the villages, knowing their skills, life style, spend time in the world of calmness and affection towards each other.