Before we discuss why the Bishnoi people strongly opposed Salman’s blackbuck poaching case, let’s review their history and culture and why they love animals so much.
Bishnoi
Who are Bishnoi? They are the followers of a religious sect in Hindu culture. They are mostly found in the Western Thar Desert of Rajasthan. And other northern states of India. In some parts of India, they are also known as Vishnoi or Prahladpanthi. They worship Lord Vishnu.
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History of the Bishnoi People
Guru Jambheshwar (1451 – 1536) founded the Bishnoi sect some 500 years ago. He was born in Pipasar village of Nagaur District in Rajasthan. During that time, the region was constantly torn apart because of the war between invading Muslims and local Hindus.
Thus, Guru Jambhoji gave 29 principles to be followed for a harmonious life. These principles revolve around compassion for every living being, preserving biodiversity, praying daily, and healthy social behaviour. To this day Bishnoi people live their lives accordingly.
Bish in rajasthani means twenty and Noi means nine. Henceforth, Bishnoi signifies 29 principles
Bishnoi People’s Culture
The sect is a very simple and down-to-earth community in Rajasthan. They still abide by the principles given by their Guru. The prime occupation of the Bishnoi people was farming and animal herding. But at the present time, they are doing well in the Military, Police, Government, & Private Jobs and businesses.
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They believe in compassion for every living being, and they protect & trees at any cost. Consequently, herds of deer are found near the villages of the Bishnoi people. They wander freely and are often spotted near humans.
Under any circumstances, if a baby deer is left behind the herd, their women takes care of it as their own child. And many times that they even feed their breast milk to the calf.
Khejarli Massacre History
In 1730 AD, Maharaja Abhay Singh of Marwar (Jodhpur) wanted to construct a new palace. He ordered a party of soldiers to chop off trees in Khejarli village. Under the leadership of Amrita Devi, local villagers opposed the party as it was against their faith.
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When soldiers persisted, the villagers offered their lives for every tree chopped. Amrita Devi was the first to sacrifice her life. Soon, everyone, including women, children, the young, the old, the rich, and the poor, followed.
Till the fateful news reached Maharaja Abhay Singh, some 363 Bishnoi villagers were martyred to save trees
On hearing the dreadful events in Khejarli village, Abhay Singh prohibited the cutting of green trees and the killing of animals within the revenue boundaries of their villages.
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Bishnoi People and Salman Khan
Now that we’re good with the basics, let’s talk about why the Bishnoi people have taken Salman Khan’s Blackbuck poaching case so strongly.
During the shoot of the Bollywood movie Hum Saath Saath Hain, Salman Khan, along with Saif Ali Khan, Tabu, and Sonali Bendre, hunted Blackbucks in Kankani village of Rajasthan. They were spotted by local villagers. Bishnoi villagers registered a complaint against Salman Khan and others for killing wild deer.
Under the Wildlife Protection Act it is prohibited to hunt wild animals in India
Recently, a gangster named Lawrence Vishnoi has openly threatened Salman Khan for the case. He demands that Salman visit Mukti Dham Mukam, a religious place for Bishnois, and ask for forgiveness. Recently, a politician, Baba Siddiqui, who is said to be a close friend of the Khan family, was shot down by the sharpshooters of Lawrence’s gang. The incident has once again put the incident into the limelight.
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