Amrita Devi known as Amrita Devi Bishnoi[1][2]was an environmentalist from the Bishnoi community who sacrificed her life in 1730 to protect Khejri trees.[3][4] Her bravery in the Khejarli massacre[5] became the ultimate symbol of nature conservation and inspired modern movements like the Chipko Movement.[6][7][8]
Khejarli massacre
Template:Main The Khejarli massacre was an event in 1730 in Rajasthan where 363 Bishnoi people were killed while peacefully protecting Khejri trees.[9] Led by Amrita Devi Bishnoi, the villagers hugged the trees to prevent them from being felled by the soldiers of Maharaja Abhai Singh of Marwar.[10]
Legacy and honours
Template:Main The Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award was established by the Government of India. The award honours individuals or communities for significant contributions to wildlife protection.[11][12][13][14]
References
- ↑ 9 Reasons To Know Amrita Devi Bishnoi. www.indiatoday.in(2023-09-11). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ When Amrita Devi and 362 Bishnois sacrificed their lives for the Khejri tree, Sahapedia. Feminism in India(2020-09-10). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Khejri, the tree that inspired Chipko movement, is dying a slow death. The Indian Express(2016-12-04). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ The Forgotten Roots of India’s Eco Feminism, AR, Reshmi. www.deccanchronicle.com(2026-03-07). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ A Glossary of the Tribes and Castes of the Punjab and North-West Frontier Province{{#if:|, {{{last}}}}. Atlantic Publishers & Dist(1997). ISBN 978-81-85297-68-2
- ↑ The Bishnois, India's original environmentalists, who inspired the Chipko movement. Ecologise(2017-05-28). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Bishnoi villagers sacrifice lives to save trees, 1730 | Global Nonviolent Action Database. nvdatabase.swarthmore.edu. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ The Bishnoi: India’s First Environmentalists. thediplomat.com. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Chipko Movement. Tottenham Trees. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ When 300 Bishnois sacrificed their lives to save trees from a maharaja, Mukul, Sushim. India Today(2024-10-18). Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Jairam Ramesh announces Amrita Devi and Gaura Devi awards for environment protection. www.thehindu.com. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Remembering Amrita’s sacrifice. The Tribune. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ Amrita Devi Bishnoi and the Khejri. Azim Premji University. Retrieved 2026-04-11.
- ↑ National Forest Martyrs Day 2020: Why we observe this day on Sept 11 every year and how it started. The Daily Jagran. Retrieved 2026-04-11.