Question

Which community in India is famous for protecting the blackbucks?
(A) Dogras
(B) Santhals
(C) Bishnois
(D) All of these

Answer 1

Hint: This community refers to a Hindu religious sect which is found in the Western Thar Desert and northern states of India. This community follows a set of 29 principles/commandments which is given by Guru Jambeshwar.

Complete answer:
The Bishnois are a community that is found primarily in Rajasthan or North India. The people of this community follow a set of principles which is laid down by their Guru. These principles explicitly forbid any type of harm to the environment, and ask the community to step ahead in order to protect the environment and its rich biodiversity at all the costs. They have religiously followed the principles since centuries, as well as played a pivotal role in protecting the Black Bucks,which are regarded as one of the most beautiful antelopes. The Bishnois of Jodhpur regard the black buck as the reincarnation of their religious Guru Bhagwan Jambeshwar who is also known as Jambaji. All the credit goes to the persistent efforts of this community that the Blackbucks came back from the very verge of the extinction and are now slowly regaining their number back in the country.

Hence, Option C is the right answer.

Note:
The Bishnois are known to be God-fearing and gentle but they show their aggressive side only when it comes to protecting their blackbucks. As per the Bishnoi folklore, Jambaji is believed to have instructed his followers that blackbuck was to be revered as his manifestation only. It is also believed that when these animals raid the crops of the Bishnois, they prefer to lose the crop than driving them away.