Amrita Devi Explained

Amrita Devi
Birth Place:Khejarli, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India
Death Date:1730
Death Place:Khejarli, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan, India
Nationality:Indian
Occupation:Environmentalist, Martyr
Known For:Khejarli massacre, Environmental conservation
Children:Asu, Ratni, Bhagu (daughters)
Awards:Amrita Devi Bishnoi National Award(posthumously named after her)

Amrita Devi Beniwal[1] [2] 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.[3] [4] [5]

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.[7] [8]

Legacy

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

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Remembering Amrita’s sacrifice . 24 July 2024 . The Tribune. “ 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.”
  2. Web site: Amrita Devi . 2024-07-24 . Jat Chiefs . en-US. “ Amrita Devi was a Beniwal Bishnoi jat sacrificed her life along with her three daughters viz. Asu, Ratni and Bhagu in year 1730.”
  3. Web site: Remembering Amrita's sacrifice . 2 April 2024 . The Tribune.
  4. Web site: Sahapedia . 2020-09-10 . When Amrita Devi and 362 Bishnois sacrificed their lives for the Khejri tree . 2024-04-02 . Feminism in India . en-GB.
  5. Web site: कौन थीं अमृता देवी? जिनके नाम पर होगा राजस्थान जीव-जन्तु कल्याण बोर्ड,सीएम गहलोत ने लगाई मुहर .
  6. Web site: AFP . India's Bishnoi community: The original eco-warriors . 2024-04-02 . Deccan Herald . en.
  7. News: 'On Environment Day, recognise Bishnois for saving trees' . 2 April 2024 . Business Standard.
  8. Web site: 2017-05-28 . The Bishnois, India's original environmentalists, who inspired the Chipko movement . 2024-04-02 . Ecologise . en-GB.
  9. Web site: 2020-06-04 . The Bishnois have been at the forefront of environmental conservation for centuries . 2024-04-02 . Gaonconnection Your Connection with Rural India . en-US.
  10. News: 2011-04-14 . Govt plans national awards for environment protectors . 2024-04-02 . The Times of India . 0971-8257.
  11. Web site: 2023-08-27 . Rajasthan Animal Welfare Board To Be Named After Green Crusader Amrita Devi . 2024-04-02 . Outlook India . en.