Understanding Bishnoi community's profound connection with Blackbucks

Lawrence Bishnoi: Two blackbucks killed in 1998 continue to cast a shadow over actor Salman Khan, especially following the recent murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique and escalating threats against Khan, Siddique's close friend. This incident has reignited the long-standing controversy surrounding the blackbuck killings that occurred near Jodhpur during the filming of Hum Saath Saath Hain.

The 1998 incident and its fallout

In 1998, Salman Khan was accused, along with others, of hunting and killing two blackbucks. This act sparked outrage among the Bishnoi community, known for its deep reverence for wildlife, particularly blackbucks. The community protested vehemently against Khan's actions. At the same time, gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who was likely only five years old at the time, vowed revenge against Khan. While debates continue about whether the blackbuck incident is the root of Bishnoi's animosity or a mere tactic to enhance his reputation, the Bishnoi community's bond with these animals is deeply ingrained and historically significant.

What is the religious sginificance of blackbucks

The Bishnoi community, founded by Guru Jambheshwar (or Jambaji) in the 15th century, adheres to 29 principles that prioritize the protection of wildlife and vegetation. One of these tenets emphasizes the worship of blackbucks as reincarnations of their spiritual guru. "Bishnoi is not a religion, but a way of leading life based on the 29 principles of Guru Jambheshwar," stated Ram Swarup, a community member, in an interview with India Today in 2018. "We are even ready to die to protect animals."

Historian Vinay Lal of UCLA noted that the Bishnois believe they may be reincarnated as deer, further explaining their deep respect for blackbucks.

A deep-rooted cultural connection

The relationship between the Bishnoi community and blackbucks transcends spirituality; it embodies a cultural and environmental connection that has flourished for centuries. The Bishnois have long coexisted with these animals, sharing resources and ensuring their safety. They even set aside food and water for blackbucks during droughts, transforming their villages into oases within the Thar Desert.

Bishnoi villages have been described as oases in the desert trees abound, and deer roam around with abandon." This symbiotic relationship illustrates the profound respect and love the Bishnois have for blackbucks, a sentiment that remains unbroken despite the passage of time.