Bishnoi Tribe

Bishnoi Tribe

Bishnoi Tribe is the name of the tribe living on the edge of the Thar Desert, western India. They are a poor tribe that lived about 26 Km from the major cities of Jodhpur, State of Rajasthan.

The word 'Bishnoi' comes from the word 'bis' which means 20, and 'nai' which means 9. This shows that they follow 29 principles given by Guru Jambheswar about 500 years ago. All life is related to the principle of environmental sustainability.

The Bishnoi tribe in India is famous as the most dear environment. They maintain the trees, never kill an animal, and exert a variety of ways for the survival of living beings.

In their villages, wild animals live without disturbing let alone killing local residents. The Bishnoi consider these wild animals as friends. They feed, provide drink for the wild animals such as elk and bison.

In the middle of the area frequently hit by drought, the wild animals is never short of food. In fact, the animals are allowed to eat the harvest of the Bishnoi.

The Bishnoi tribe uphold the principles of environmental affection since 500 years ago. In fact, the area in which they live often suffer from drought. Often, new rain coming few years.

The Bishnoi respect deer and cows because they believe the two creatures are their ancestors. Thus, deer and cattle to protect them from poachers. Mothers here are even ready to give milk to the motherless deer. The vegetarian Bishnoi living patterns.

They are going to use wood for cooking will be thrown to the ground three times, just to make sure there are no insects hidden in the wood when burned.

They filter the water twice before cooking, to avoid the presence of small insects.To work around this, the Bishnoi make 'kunds' or water storage tanks underground. The stored water is not only used for their purposes, but also for the water needs of the wild animals.

Love the Bishnoi to the environment, not only can be seen from their treatment of the surrounding. The Bishnoi adapting simple lifestyle, namely to become a vegetarian and dress lightly.They cook all the food is vegetarian. Unlike the Indians in the big cities, the Bishnoi prefer wearing white or brown.

Although famous as the Bishnoi tribal poor, gold remains a sign of social status. The famous Bishnoi women like wearing jewelry, which also determines the high social status.

Besides famous as a lover rate environment, Bishnoi also known to tourists for a typical drink made from opium. This traditional beverage commonly served to tourists who visit.

Beverage called 'charity' is prepared shortly after the guests come to visit. Not a few tourists who come and curious drink this one.

The Bishnoi well known as a hard worker. If visited their village, you will see many Bishnoi who work in the fields. Both men and women, adults and children alike. 

Bishnoy Tribal History

 It is an image that tells the tragic history, as well as the heroic Bishnoi. In 1730, Raja Abhay Singh who ruled the region has sent troops to cut down trees and make the palace.

When the troops began to cut down trees, a named Amrita Devi Bishnoi hug the tree and then said, he willingly shared his neck slashed the tree.

Woodcutter then swung the ax. Splitting trees, Amrita Devi at once cut off his head from his body.Furthermore, all three children Amrita Devi was doing the same thing. It spread quickly to the ears of the other Bishnoi. Until the end, they agreed to do the same thing until it stopped tree felling.

Bishnoi as many as 363 men, women, to children, died of self-sacrifice. Raja Abhay Singh finally sent troops to stop, and can no longer interfere with land owned by the Bishnoi.

Bishnoi tribe story, especially about sacrifice in the past, has been known to foreign countries. Ministry of Environment and Forestry of India even has 'Amrita Devi Bishnoi Wildlife Protection Award', the highest award for citizens of India who played an active role in conservation efforts.