AMRITA DEVI – THE GUARDIAN ANGEL OF

WOODS

THE TREE HUGGER – Based on a true story in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

In 1730 A.D.

THE TREE HUGGER

– Based on a true story in Jodhpur, Rajasthan

In 1730 A.D.

BISHNOI COMMUNITY

Amrita Devi, a bishnoi woman lived in Khejardi, a village in Jodhpur district of

RajasthanThe Bishnois are the members of a community of nature worshippers

WHY WAS IT CALLED KHEJARDI?

The name was derived from the Khejri trees which were in

abundance in the village

MAIN CHARACTERS

Amrita DeviMaharaja Abhai Singh

Asu, Ratni, Bhagubai [Amrita Devi’s daughters]Giridhar Bhandari- the minister

The chief woodcutterThe tribal chief

Bishnoi community people

THE BLACK TUESDAY

On a Tuesday morning, when Amrita Devi was at home with her three daughters, she

learnt that a number of people had disrupted the peace of her little green

village

MAHARAJA’S ORDER

A party of maharaja Abhai Singh, ruler of Jodhpur descended on this village to fell green Khejri trees for burning lime for the construction of a new palace

AMRITA DEVI’S PROTEST

Amrita Devi protested against the king’s men attempting to cut green trees as it is

prohibited in Bishnoi religion.“If a tree is saved even at the cost of one’s head, it is worth it”, said Amrita

THE SACRIFICE

Amrita offered her headThe axes which were brought to cut the trees severed her head and her three young daughters

The felling of green trees was continued, but this sacrifice started

a mass movement- The Chipko Movement of the 20th century

KHEJARLI MASSACRE

For every green tree to be cut, one Bishnoi volunteer sacrificed his/her life.

363 Bishnois became martyrsIt completely shook the tree felling party

They left and informed the maharaja

THE MAHARAJA’S APOLOGY

Honouring the courage of the Bishnoi community, the maharaja

apologised for the mistake

ISSUE OF ROYAL DECREE

The king was moved by the uncomplaining nature of simple

and kind hearted people issued a royal decree

ROYAL DECREE

Felling of green trees and hunting of animals are strictly prohibited

If by mistake any individual violates this order, he/she will be prosecuted

Even the members of the ruling family must not shoot animals

IMPACT OF THE CHIPKO MOVEMENT

PREPARED BY DST.KRP`S IN ENGLISH NILGIRI DISTRICT

If we give wages to those who plant trees,

Like we give wages to those who cut trees,

``The world will be green``