About the Bishnoi community:
- The Bishnois belong to a Hindu religious sect found in the Western Thar Desert and some northern states of India.
- They trace their origins to the teachings of Guru Jambhesvara who was born to a Panwar Rajput family in 1451 AD at Peepasar village of Nagore district in Western Rajasthan.
- They strictly forbid the harming of trees and animals.
- They believe in protecting the environment and can die doing it so.
- The person of this community are inspired and gets inspiration from Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman who was killed in 1730 while trying to protect a grove of khejri trees.
Key facts about the Khejri tree
- It is considered a sacred tree in Rajasthan.
- It is also called jant or janti in areas like Alwar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu,
- Significance:
- It is a nitrogen-fixing tree which enhances the fertility of the soil.
- The fruit is used to make the very popular local dish ‘Sangri’
- The bark of this tress is used medicinally for a range of ailments.
- It plays a vital role in preserving the ecosystem of arid and semi-arid areas, mainly in the Thar Desert.
- The leaves have high nutritive value and are locally called ‘loong.
