The Bishnoi tribes of Rajasthan were the first environmentalist in the world; they started following a life to protect and conserve the environmental and wildlife in 1485, when the environmentalist saint Guru Jambheshwar made it religiously compulsory to:
'Not cut green trees' and 'To be compassionate to all living beings.'
The Bishnoi tribes follow a total of 29 strict rules to conserve nature and wildlife, while facing the hardship of life in the Thar Desert
Year: 1730, Venue:Khejadli in Rajasthan :
This sleepy village of Jodhpur district, witnessed an event unparalleled in the history of mankind. It was an event which pioneered the Chipko (Tree Hugging) Movement of 20th century.
Not one, not two, but 363 men, women and children laid down their lives in protest against attempts by the men of Jodhpur King to cut green Khejadli (Prosopis Cinraria) trees. While this massacre was being carried out, the men, women and children kept chanting the wisdom of Guru Jambho Ji’s teaching: "Sar Santey Rookh Rahe To Bhi Sasto Jaan" (If a tree is saved even at the cost of one’s head, it’s worth it).