The Bishnois

Photographs from the author

Abstract: Many community based conservation drives have col lapsed with increased intrusion of market forces, break down of traditional systems, population explosion, power politics, inappropriate pricing and subsidy. Yet there are some groups that still maintained their sanctity and worth. Few such indigenous people are the ‘Kuna’ of Panama, the ‘Kayapo’ of Brazil and of course the ‘Bishnois’ of India. Bishnois as we know are the world’s first fervent environmentalists that follow it as a religion.