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The Bishnoi, blackbuck and chinkara: What exactly were Guru Jambheshwar’s principles regarding Thar wildlife?

  • October 14, 2024
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN Topics
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The Bishnoi, blackbuck and chinkara: What exactly were Guru Jambheshwar’s principles regarding Thar wildlife?

Sub :Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

  • In 1998, Salman Khan, Saif Ali Khan, and others allegedly hunted blackbuck in Rajasthan’s Kankani village, triggering a legal battle and backlash from the Bishnoi community, known for zealously guarding the wildlife and environment of the Thar Desert.

Why Do the Bishnoi Protect Blackbuck and Chinkara?

  • The Bishnoi community, mostly found in western Rajasthan, is based on 29 principles set by Guru Jambheshwarjiin 1485. His teachings emphasized protecting nature, especially wildlife and trees.
  • Ecological Faith:
    • Founded on the principle of compassion for all living beings, as reflected in rules like:
      • Rule 19: “Not to fell green trees.”
      • Rule 18: “Be compassionate towards all living beings.”
    • Guru Jambheshwarji’s teachings, including the 120 shabdas (statements), elaborate his philosophy, calling for equality, modesty, and tolerance.
  • Respect for Wildlife:
    • The Bishnoi believe harming animals leads to a painful end, as reflected in Shabad 09, which warns against showing power over animals.
    • Shabads 10, 44, 64, and 85 further emphasize kindness toward animals and denounce killing them for selfish reasons.

Why Special Protection for Antelope?

  • Blackbuck, chinkara, and other species are often found near Bishnoi villages. The community has historically protected wildlife like blackbuck, chinkara, and the Great Indian Bustard, as well as the Khejri tree.
  • According to folklore, Bishnoi believes they may be reincarnated as deer, which explains the reverence for blackbuck. Guru Jambheshwarji is even said to have declared the blackbuck as a manifestation of himself, reinforcing its sacred status.

Historical and Modern Significance

  • Khejarli Massacre: In 1730,363 Bishnoi sacrificed their lives to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by Maharaja Abhay Singh’s soldiers.
    • Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman was killed in 1730 while trying to protect a grove of khejri trees.
  • The Bishnoi community has continued to defend the flora and fauna of the Thar Desert, even laying down their lives to protect wildlife from hunters and poachers.
  • Understanding Bishnoi’s deep ecological consciousness can offer valuable lessons in preserving the environment for future generations.

About chinkara and blackbuck:

FeatureChinkaraBlackbuck
Scientific name
  • Gazella bennettii
  • Antilope cervicapra
Common names
  • Indian gazelle, Ravine deer
  • Indian antelope
Native range
  • India, Pakistan, Iran
  • India, Nepal
Habitat
  • Grasslands, deserts, scrublands
  • Grassy plains, open woodlands
Coat colour
  • Light chestnut
  • Males: black upperparts, white underparts
  • Females: fawn-coloured
Horn characteristics
  • Both sexes have horns, Straight, ringed
  • Only males have horns
  • Long, spiral-shaped
Diet
  • Herbivorous: grasses, leaves, fruits
  • Herbivorous: grasses, leaves
Social structure
  • Small groups or solitary
  • Herds; males often solitary
Conservation status
  • Least Concern (IUCN)
  • Protected in India under schedule 1 of WPA.
  • Near Threatened (IUCN)
  • Protected in India under schedule 1 of WPA.
  • National animal of Pakistan
Threats
  • Habitat loss, hunting
  • Habitat loss, hunting, agriculture
Unique features
  • Adapted to arid conditions
  • Capable of very high leaps

Source: DTE

blackbuck and chinkara: What exactly were Guru Jambheshwar’s principles regarding Thar wildlife? Environment The Bishnoi

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