Bishnois of Rajasthan
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One of the paradoxes of Rajasthan is that though Shikar or hunting was considered a sport and was developed into a fine art by the royal families and the aritocracy, preservation was also encouraged. Hunting as a rule was a sport limited only to the feudal chiefs and the Maharajas. Major game was hunted only during the period of the British Raj when the bag count included astronomical figures.
However the Bishnoi community of Rajasthan have been identifies as conservators. Located mostly in pockets of Western Rajasthan especially in the Jodhpur and Bikaner areas it is not unusual to see deer for example foraging in their fields without fear.
The Bishnois are followers of the 15th century saint Guru Jambeshwar who following a particularly prolonged period of drought, bade all his followers to protect all animal and plant life, since it seemed the only way to nuture nature. Ever since their sanctity has extended to all trees and animals and they do not allow either felling or hunting on their lands.
They also believe that in their after life they will be reincarnated as deers which could be the reason why herds are never too far away from their fields. The Bishnoi men are distinguished by their large white turbans while women wear earth colours and have a particular astentatious nose ring that establishes their idendity. Cattle rearing and agriculture are dominant pursuits.
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