Question

Which of the following statement is incorrect with respect to the Bishnoi community revolt?

• A. In 1731, the king of Jodhpur in Rajasthan asked to arrange wood for constructing a new palace
• B. The minister and workers went to a forest near a village, inhabited by Bishnois, to cut down trees
• C. A Bishnoi woman Amrita Devi showed exemplary courage by hugging a tree to protect it
• D. The king’s men heed to her plea and saved amrita devi and her three daughters

Answer 1

The correct option is D The king’s men heed to her plea and saved amrita devi and her three daughters

In 1731, King Abhay Singh of Jodhpur ordered the cutting down of the Khejri tree from the Khejri village to build his palace. The king had decided to build a new palace for which a large amount of wood was required.

It was common practice then to burn lime in a kiln at very high temperature to obtain quicklime which, when mixed with sand and water, would become mortar. This was used as a binding agent for holding together stones and bricks for construction. To keep the kiln going, they needed plenty of wood.

The minister and workers went to the Khejri forest near the village, inhabited by Bishnois, to cut down trees and bring them to the palace.

Since the tree had cultural and economic importance in the area, Amrita Devi Bishnoi and three of her daughters stood in protest, which ended in their execution. Hence option d is incorrect.

This enraged the Bishnoi community and soon, they started a rebellion that resulted in the loss of 363 lives. When the king heard the dreadful news, he put an end to the felling of trees. Honouring the courage of the Bishnois, he apologised to the community, and issued a decree engraved on a copper plate prohibiting forever the cutting of trees and hunting of animals within and near Bishnoi villages.

Even today, contributions of Amrita Devi Bishnoi are renowned, and the Bishnoi community are lauded for their conserving spirit.

Figure : Amrita Devi