The correct answer is C: “save sacred trees from being cut down.”

The Bishnoi Movement, also known as the Bishnoi community, is a historically significant environmental and conservation movement that originated in the 18th century in the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, India. This movement was primarily aimed at protecting sacred trees and the environment. Let’s explore why this answer is correct in detail and why the other options are not:

Option A:

Save Water Resources While the Bishnoi community does value and protect natural resources, particularly water, their primary focus and the central aspect of their movement was the protection of sacred trees.

The Bishnois are known for their strong belief in the sanctity of certain tree species, such as the khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria). They would go to great lengths to protect these trees, even to the extent of hugging them and preventing them from being cut down, especially during times of drought when the need for firewood and fodder for cattle became critical.

Option B:

Save Migrant People The Bishnoi Movement was not primarily aimed at saving migrant people. While the Bishnoi community, like many others, values the well-being of all individuals, their primary mission was centered around environmental conservation, specifically the protection of sacred trees and wildlife.

The movement is rooted in their religious and cultural beliefs, and their actions were directed towards safeguarding the natural world rather than addressing the migration of people.

Option D:

Save Atmosphere The Bishnoi Movement did not have its primary aim as saving the atmosphere. While their conservation efforts did indirectly contribute to environmental preservation, their specific concern was the protection of sacred trees and the environment within their region.

The focus was on maintaining the ecological balance by preventing the indiscriminate cutting of trees, which had adverse effects on the local ecosystem.

Now, let’s delve into more detail about the Bishnoi Movement and its significance:

The Bishnoi Movement originated in the 18th century under the leadership of Guru Jambheshwar, who laid down a set of 29 principles or commandments known as “Bishnoi Dharma” or “Bishnoi faith.”

These principles emphasized the protection of nature and its resources. One of the most famous incidents associated with the Bishnoi community’s commitment to environmental conservation is the “Khejri” event.

In 1730, a local ruler, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Jodhpur, ordered the felling of khejri trees to construct a palace. The Bishnois, led by a woman named Amrita Devi, vehemently opposed the tree cutting.

In an act of extraordinary courage, Amrita Devi and her fellow Bishnois clung to the trees and declared that they would rather give their lives than allow the trees to be felled. Tragically, 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to protect the khejri trees.

This incident, known as the “Khejarli Massacre,” became a symbol of the Bishnoi community’s commitment to environmental conservation. It also led to significant legal and policy changes in the region.

The Maharaja, upon realizing the gravity of the situation, issued a decree banning the felling of khejri trees in all Bishnoi villages and exempting them from taxes on such trees. This marked one of the earliest instances of legal protection for trees and wildlife in India.

The Bishnoi Movement’s principles encompass a range of ecological practices and beliefs. Some of these include:

Protection of Trees and Wildlife:

The Bishnois consider certain tree species, like the khejri, as sacred, and they are committed to protecting them from harm. They also practice strict non-violence towards wildlife and do not hunt or harm animals.

Conservation of Water:

Water is a precious resource in the arid Thar Desert, and the Bishnois have traditionally implemented water conservation measures, such as building small dams and using water-saving techniques in agriculture.

Sustainable Agriculture:

The Bishnois follow sustainable farming practices, including crop rotation and organic farming, to preserve the fertility of the soil.

Caring for the Environment:

They avoid cutting green trees for fuel or fodder and instead use dried wood or fallen branches, minimizing their impact on the environment.

Community Responsibility:

The Bishnoi community believes in collective responsibility for the environment, with community members actively participating in tree planting and conservation efforts.

In recent times, the Bishnoi Movement’s principles have gained global recognition for their relevance to contemporary environmental issues. Their commitment to conservation, sustainable living, and reverence for nature serve as an inspiring example of how cultural and religious beliefs can drive positive environmental actions.

In conclusion, the Bishnoi Movement’s primary aim was to protect sacred trees, particularly the khejri tree, and to promote environmental conservation based on their religious and cultural beliefs.

While they valued other aspects of nature and the well-being of people, their distinctive contribution lies in their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the natural world, which has had a lasting impact on the conservation efforts in the Thar Desert region of India.