About Khejarli Memorial
The Khejarli Memorial commemorates the 1730 sacrifice of 363 Bishnoi villagers who died protecting sacred Khejri trees from royal orders. Led by Amrita Devi, this historic event became one of India's earliest environmental movements. The site features a cenotaph, memorial stones with victims' names, and a Bishnoi temple. Located 26 kilometers southeast of Jodhpur, it serves as a pilgrimage site honoring ecological conservation and non-violent resistance.
Visitors guide
Visitors can see a humble memorial monument with engraved stones bearing the names of the 363 martyrs who sacrificed their lives in 1730. The site includes a cenotaph and a Bishnoi temple dedicated to Guru Jambheshwar behind the memorial. The surrounding area features Khejri trees and desert landscape typical of rural Rajasthan. Visitors may observe local wildlife including blackbucks and peacocks, reflecting the Bishnoi community's commitment to nature conservation. The atmosphere is peaceful and contemplative, suitable for reflection on environmental heritage.
Key highlights
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Memorial commemorating 363 Bishnoi martyrs who died protecting trees in 1730
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Cenotaph and engraved stones with names of sacrifice victims
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Bishnoi temple dedicated to Guru Jambheshwar at the memorial site
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Site of India's first documented environmental movement led by Amrita Devi
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Annual Vriksh Sahid Mela fair held in September honoring the martyrs
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Opportunity to observe Bishnoi community lifestyle and local wildlife
History of Khejarli Memorial
In September 1730, during the reign of Maharaja Abhai Singh of Marwar, royal soldiers were ordered to cut Khejri trees for palace construction materials. Amrita Devi, a Bishnoi woman, led 363 villagers in peacefully hugging the trees to prevent felling. All 363 people, including Amrita Devi and her three daughters, were killed by the soldiers. This event became known as the Khejarli Massacre and is recognized as one of history's earliest environmental protests. The village was later renamed Khejarli after the Khejri tree, and the site became a place of pilgrimage for the Bishnoi faith.
Culture & Context
The Khejarli Memorial holds profound cultural significance as a symbol of environmental conservation and non-violent resistance. It inspired the 20th-century Chipko Movement and led to the establishment of National Forest Martyrs Day observed annually on September 11 in India. The site represents the Bishnoi community's 29 principles established by Guru Jambheshwar, which emphasize nature protection and coexistence with wildlife. An annual fair called Vriksh Sahid Mela is organized on Shukla Dashmi of Bhadrapad (September) to honor the martyrs.