⚜️ *SHOCKING TRUE STORY ON WHY STAMP ON KHEJRI TREE?*
THE TREE is the *STATE TREE of* Rajasthan + Western UP (where it is known as CHHONKARA) and Telangana (where it is known as JAMMI ).
This tree is highly revered among Hindus and WORSHIPPED ON DUSSERA as Pandavas hung their celestial weapons in this tree for safekeeping for a year in the 13th year of exile in disguise in kingdom of Virata.
In 1730, *AMRITA DEVI BISHNOI and her 3 YOUNG DAUGHTERS* (Asu, Ratni, and Bhagu) *gave their lives in an attempt to protect some Khejri trees* in Khejarli village, 26 kms from Jodhpur in Rajasthan! The feudal party had said they would not cut the trees if she paid a bribe, which she refused. Instead, she was ready to give away her life to save the trees than to pay!!!
Khejarli name is from khejri trees that were once abundant in the village. *Maharaja Abhay Singh Rathore of Marwar (Jodhpur)* had ordered to cut them for his new palace. The trees were to be burned to produce lime for constructing a new palace.
When the news of the deaths spread, a meeting was summoned of the 84 Bishnoi villages who decided that one Bishnoi volunteer would sacrifice their life for every tree cut down!! 😳
Older people began hugging the trees intended to be cut, and many were killed. But these efforts didn't create an impact as the Thakur claimed that Bishnois were sacrificing aging people they no longer saw as useful to society. 💥 *In response to this,* young men, women, and children began to follow the example of the old.
😳🇮🇳🔥 *In the end, this led to widespread defiance in which 363 people were killed trying to save the trees!!!!!!!*
In 1970s, the memory of this sacrifice *led to the start of the Chipko movement.*
🌳 *Singhri or Sangri pods* is a traditional cuisines of Thar Desert.
*Chewing its leaves* releases the juice to give relieve from mouth ulcers. The juice is then spat out, not swallowed.
👆Khejri tree, also known as *ghaf* , is of pea family. It is native to arid areas, can survive extreme drought.
ʿGhaf is national tree of UAE 🇦🇪.
There is one famous *Tree of Life in Bahrain* which is 400 years old in a desert!
Regards,
DR LAXMIKANT S KASAT (DR LUCKY)
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon | TEDx Speaker | Author
Thane
