Product Code Database
Amrita Devi Beniwal, “ 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.” “ Amrita Devi was a Beniwal Bishnoi jat sacrificed her life along with her three daughters viz. Asu, Ratni and Bhagu in year 1730.” also known as Amrita Devi, was an environmentalist and martyr from the Bishnoi Panth of Khejarli, Jodhpur district, Rajasthan. She is known for her role in the Khejarli massacre.
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. Beniwal opposed the cutting of the trees, which were vital to the Bishnoi Panth faith. Beniwal famously stated that she would give away her life to save the trees. According to legend, Beniwal put her arms around the trunk of a tree to prevent it from being felled; in response, the king's men decapitated her. In the subsequent Khejarli massacre, Beniwal's three daughters, Asu, Ratni and Bhagu, and 363 other Bishnois were killed while protecting the trees.
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.
In 2023, the Rajasthan Animal Welfare Board adopted a new name in reference to Amrita Devi.
|
|
