Amrita Devi

Amrita Devi Beniwal^[1] (d. 1730) was an environmentalist and martyr from the Bishnoi community of Khejarli, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India. She is known for her role in the conservation of the Khejri trees (Prosopis cineraria), which are considered sacred by the Bishnoi community. She was killed, along with her three daughters, in the Khejarli massacre, after protesting the felling of trees by Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar.^[2][3]

Activism

In 1730, the then Maharaja of Jodhpur, Abhay Singh, ordered the felling of Khejri trees to burn lime for the construction of his new palace. Amrita Devi opposed the cutting of the trees, which were vital to the Bishnoi faith. She famously stated that she would give away her life to save the trees.

According to legend, Devi put her arms around the trunk of a tree to prevent it from being felled; in response, the king's men decapitated her.^[4] In the subsequent Khejarli massacre, Devi's three daughters, Asu, Ratni and Bhagu, and 363 other Bishnois were killed while protecting the trees.^[1][5][6]

Legacy

 

Amrita Devi Bishnoi national award for wildlife conservation being presented to a woman for her contribution to the conservation of wildlife.

Her act of bravery is commemorated by the Bishnoi community every year, and inspired the Chipko movement in the 1970s.^[6]

The Government of India instituted the Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award for individuals or communities from rural areas that have shown extraordinary courage and dedication in protecting wildlife.^[7][8]

In 2023, the Rajasthan Animal Welfare Board adopted a new name in reference to Amrita Devi.^[9]

References

1. "Remembering Amrita's sacrifice". The Tribune. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
2. Sahapedia (2020-09-10). "When Amrita Devi and 362 Bishnois sacrificed their lives for the Khejri tree". Feminism in India. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
3. "कौन थीं अमृता देवी? जिनके नाम पर होगा राजस्थान जीव-जन्तु कल्याण बोर्ड,सीएम गहलोत ने लगाई मुहर".
4. AFP. "India's Bishnoi community: The original eco-warriors". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
5. "'On Environment Day, recognise Bishnois for saving trees'". Business Standard. Retrieved 2 April 2024.
6. "The Bishnois, India's original environmentalists, who inspired the Chipko movement". Ecologise. 2017-05-28. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
7. "The Bishnois have been at the forefront of environmental conservation for centuries". Gaonconnection | Your Connection with Rural India. 2020-06-04. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
8. "Govt plans national awards for environment protectors". The Times of India. 2011-04-14. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2024-04-02.
9. "Rajasthan Animal Welfare Board To Be Named After Green Crusader Amrita Devi". Outlook India. 2023-08-27. Retrieved 2024-04-02.