To which of the following communities living in western Rajasthan on the border of the Thar desert has conservation of forest and wildlife been a religious tenet?

Correct option is C

​The correct answer is (c) The Bishnoi community.

• The Bishnoi community, primarily residing in western Rajasthan, is known for its strong commitment to forest and wildlife conservation, an integral part of their religious beliefs.
• The community follows 29 principles (hence the name "Bishnoi," meaning twenty-nine in Hindi), laid down by Guru Jambheshwar in the 15th century, emphasizing environmental protection, non-violence, and compassion towards animals.
• They are particularly famous for their sacrifices to protect Khejri trees and wildlife, such as the blackbuck, which they consider sacred.
• The infamous Khejarli Massacre of 1730 saw Amrita Devi and 363 Bishnois sacrifice their lives while trying to protect Khejri trees from being felled by the king’s soldiers.
• Blackbuck (Antilope cervicapra), a species revered by the Bishnois, gained national attention during the1998 Salman Khan poaching case, where Bishnoi activists played a crucial role in seeking justice for the killed animals.
• Khejri tree (Prosopis cineraria), protected by the Bishnois, is thestate tree of Rajasthanand crucial for sustaining desert ecosystems.

Information about the other options:

Bhil tribe: 

• Bhils are considered one of the oldest tribes in India.
• They are mainly divided into two main groups: the central and eastern or Rajput Bhils.
• The central Bhils are found in the mountain regions in the Indian states of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Rajasthan. Bhils are also found in the north eastern parts of Tripura.
• Language: They speak Bhili, which is an Indo-Aryan language.
  
• Most of them worship local deities like Khandoba, Kanhoba, Bahiroba, and Sitalmata. Some worship the Tiger God called 'vaghdev'.
  
• Main festivals: The Baneshwar fair is celebrated among the Bhils. This fair is held during the period of Shivratri and is dedicated to Baneshwar Mahadev also known as Lord Shiva.

Vaishya Community: 

• A business and trading community, primarily involved in commerce and economic activities.

Chippa Community:

• Traditionally engaged in textile printing and dyeing, with no specific conservation practices associated with them.
• The Chhipa community is found in the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh.​