Summary:
The Bishnoi community is a Hindu sect in India that has a strong belief in protecting the environment and all forms of life. The community was established in the 16th century by Guru Jambheshwar, and many of its 29 precepts are centered around the protection of nature. Members of the Bishnoi community do not consume meat and avoid cutting down living trees. In 1730, 363 Bishnoi men, women, and children were killed while trying to protect a grove of trees from being cut down by a local king. This event has inspired the modern-day Chipko movement, a strong forest conservation movement in India. Today, many Bishnoi are farmers and actively patrol their land to ensure that no animals are harmed. Some members of the community have also founded organizations like the Bishnoi Tiger Force, which work towards environmental conservation and anti-poaching efforts. The Bishnoi also have unique burial practices, as they do not cremate their dead in order to avoid cutting down trees for the fire.