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.[6] In the subsequent Khejarli massacre, Devi's three daughters, Asu, Ratni and Bhagu, and 363 other Bishnois were killed while protecting the trees.[3][7][8]
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.[8]
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.[9][10]
In 2023, the Rajasthan Animal Welfare Board adopted a new name in reference to Amrita Devi.[11]
References
^"Remembering Amrita's sacrifice". The Tribune. Retrieved 24 July 2024. “ During the function, rich tributes were paid to Amrita Devi Beniwal, who sacrificed her life, along with her daughters Asu, Ratni and Bhagu, in 1730 to save trees from being felled by the Maharaja of Jodhpur in Marwar, Rajasthan.”
^"Amrita Devi". Jat Chiefs. Retrieved 2024-07-24. “ Amrita Devi was a Beniwal Bishnoi jat sacrificed her life along with her three daughters viz. Asu, Ratni and Bhagu in year 1730.”
