Bishnoi community

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About the Bishnoi community:

The Bishnois belong to a Hindu religious sect found in the Western Thar Desert and some northern states of India.
They trace their origins to the teachings of Guru Jambhesvara who was born to a Panwar Rajput family in 1451 AD at Peepasar village of Nagore district in Western Rajasthan.
They strictly forbid the harming of trees and animals.
They believe in protecting the environment and can die doing it so.
The person of this community are inspired and gets inspiration from Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman who was killed in 1730 while trying to protect a grove of khejri trees.

Key facts about the Khejri tree

It is considered a sacred tree in Rajasthan.
It is also called jant or janti in areas like Alwar, Sikar, Jhunjhunu,
Significance:
- It is a nitrogen-fixing tree which enhances the fertility of the soil.
- The fruit is used to make the very popular local dish ‘Sangri’
- The bark of this tress is used medicinally for a range of ailments.
- It plays a vital role in preserving the ecosystem of arid and semi-arid areas, mainly in the Thar Desert.
- The leaves have high nutritive value and are locally called ‘loong

Q1) What is Nitrogen fixation?

Nitrogen fixation is the process by which atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) is converted into a form that can be used by living organisms, such as plants, as a nutrient.

Source: Bishnois raise concern over felling of Khejri trees