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Blackbuck | Bishnoi Community
- Context (IT|DTE): Salman Khan’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case still haunts him, with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi threatening his life.
About Blackbuck
- Also known as Indian Antelope, it is the sole extant member of the genus Antilope.
- Formerly widespread across almost the whole of the Indian subcontinent, they are now limited to only small, scattered herds in Nepal, India and Pakistan.
Physical Features
- Blackbucks have slender and elegant bodies, pointed and delicate hooves and possess narrow, sheep-like muzzles and short tails.
- Their colouration depends on gender: the back, the sides, and the outer side of the legs are rich dark brown in males and yellowish in females.
- Both males and females have white underparts including the insides of the legs as well as a white ring around their eyes.
Characteristics
- They are seen in groups of 7-10. A mature female is generally the group leader.
- It is diurnal (active mainly during the day).
- They are considered as one of the fastest running animals on earth.
Habitat and Range
- Prefers tropical and subtropical savanna/rangeland and grassland.
- May also inhabit dry deciduous forest, woodland, semi-desert habitats, riverbanks and pasture.
- It is also found at the foothills of the Himalayas where the climate is moderate and jungles are not very dense.
- In India, they are found predominantly in the states of Gujarat, Punjab, Rajasthan and Haryana.
Conservation Status
- IUCN: Least Concern | WPA, 1972: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix III
- Threats: Excessive hunting, deforestation and habitat degradation.
- It has been declared as the State Animal of Punjab, Haryana, and Andhra Pradesh.
Significance in Indian Culture
- The antelope might have been a source of food in the Indus Valley civilisation (3300–1700 BCE); bone remains have been discovered in sites such as Dholavira and Mehrgarh.
- The blackbuck is routinely depicted in miniature paintings of the Mughal era (16th to 19th centuries) depicting royal hunts often using cheetahs.
- Tribes such as the Bishnois revere and care for the blackbuck.
About the Bishnoi Community
Historical Background
- Founder: Guru Jambheshwar, also known as Jambhoji, founded it in Rajasthan in 1485.
- Meaning of Bishnoi: The name “Bishnoi” is derived from the words “Bis” (meaning twenty) and “Noi” (meaning nine). These represent the 29 principles laid down by Jambhoji, which focus on devotion to God, preservation of nature, and ethical living.
- Spiritual Beliefs: Blackbucks are revered as reincarnations of Guru Jambheshwar, making their protection a matter of faith and spirituality for the Bishnois.
- Cultural Practices: Bishnoi women are known for nurturing and even breastfeeding orphaned blackbuck fawns, showcasing their deep commitment to wildlife conservation.
- States: These dwell in the western Thar desert and northern states of India, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
- Languages: Marwari, Bagri, Hindi, Haryanvi, and Punjabi, but they share a common faith and culture.
Core Principles
- Environmental Protection: Bishnoi prohibits tree felling and advocates for wildlife protection. Its residents follow strict vegetarianism and avoid killing animals, reflecting its deep reverence for nature.
- Social Welfare: Promote honesty, purity, and compassion in personal conduct. Encourage respect for women, support for the needy, and maintenance of cleanliness.
- Spiritual Practice: Focus on daily worship of Lord Vishnu. Encourage detachment from materialism and renunciation of worldly desires.
Contribution to Environmental Conservation
- Legendary Sacrifice: In 1730, the Bishnoi community made a monumental sacrifice known as the Khejarli Massacre. Amrita Devi and 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives while trying to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by the king’s men, showcasing their unwavering commitment to nature.
- Wildlife Protection: The Bishnois are famous for protecting endangered species, such as the blackbuck, chinkara, and other local wildlife. Their villages often serve as sanctuaries for these animals.
- The Community also joined the Chipko movement of 1973-74, joining hands with other villagers to hug trees and prevent them from being felled by contractors for timber.
- They have received awards such as the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (1987), the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honour (1992), and the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Non-violence (2006).