In the semi-arid landscape 50 kilometers south of Jodhpur lies Rohet Garh, home to the remarkable Bishnoi community. During my visit, I discovered a story that perfectly illustrates the intersection of religious devotion, environmental conservation, and modern controversy.
Founded in the 15th century following a severe drought, the Bishnoi community became the guardians of Nature. They live by strict vegetarian principles. Their modest dwellings, devoid of modern amenities (except the occasional mobile phone), reflect a traditional lifestyle dedicated to farming and dairy production. What sets them apart is their unwavering commitment to protecting all forms of life and their environment.
This dedication was dramatically demonstrated in 1730 when 363 Bishnoi sacrificed their lives to protect sacred Khejri trees from being felled by a local landowner. A monument stands today, commemorating this extraordinary act of devotion.
During my stay, I took a jeep safari, to observe the elegant blackbucks that the Bishnoi consider sacred. The males, with their distinctive dark coats and spiral horns, live separately from the females. These resemble springboks in their grace, and live under the alpha male domination. With no natural predators remaining in the area, these antelopes can be observed from just 20-30 meters away.
This peaceful scene contrasts sharply with events that unfolded in 1998. The very famous Bollywood star Salman Khan, while filming near Jodhpur, allegedly shot two blackbucks during a hunting expedition with friends. The incident sparked immediate outrage among the Bishnoi community and initiated a complex legal battle that continues today.
The case has bounced between courts: Khan was initially convicted, then acquitted by the Rajasthan High Court in 2016, only to have the Supreme Court reinstate the original conviction. The matter now awaits final resolution in the Rajasthan High Court.
Salman Khan is shown on the left and Laurence Bishnoi on the right
The controversy took a darker turn when a certain Lawrence Bishnoi, a young law student from the community, became impatient with the slow legal process and decided to take matters in his hands. He publicly threatened Khan’s life unless he personally apologized to the Bishnoi people. Because he made the threat publicly, he was thrown into prison. But despite his imprisonment, Bishnoi’s threats have reportedly expanded to include Khan’s associates, with recent violent incidents (murder and attempted murder) adding to the tension.
Khan now only shows up at public events surrounded by armed bodyguards.
What began as an environmental and religious issue has evolved into something more complex. The case highlights not only the Bishnoi’s religious fervour but also touches on broader social and political dynamics, particularly given the religious identities of the key figures involved (Khan is a Muslim, whereas Laurence Bishnoi is a Hindu).
The incident, now in its 25th year, demonstrates how a seemingly straightforward conflict over wildlife protection can evolve into a multifaceted controversy involving religion, politics, and justice. As the situation continues to develop, a peaceful resolution appears increasingly challenging.