In 1730 nearly 400 people died protecting village trees from an early demise for the sake of development in Rajasthan, India. The first protester, Amrita Devi said, "If a tree is saved even at the cost of one's head, it is worth it." Unfortunately fate did not find itself on Amrita's side. In the end Amrita, her three daughters, and the trees met an untimely death. This event was the inspiration behind the Chipko Movement that took place in 1970s; poor village women wrapped themselves around the trees to stop mindless deforestation in northern India. This modern tree conservation movement had a ripple effect across India, saving many sensitive forests and reuniting the people with nature.
India has always had a certain affinity for nature. Trees are used in religious and social ceremonies and are symbols of wisdom and immortality. Many trees found today can be traced back thousands of years ago and so can the stories that go along with them. This storybook looks specifically at trees found in India, the tales told and what they mean to so many.
The Mango, Banyan, Ashoka, and Bodhi trees in particular have an important role in connecting the ancient and modern India together.
The Mango tree has been seen in Asia for thousands of years. India's special relationship with the tree has made it the largest producer and consumer of mangoes worldwide. Mangoes are even the official national fruit. The mango tree, leaves, and fruit are used in art, worship, celebrations, weddings, festivals, and is often associated with our well known Hanuman.
The great Banyan trees can live hundreds of years and often look more like forests than single trees. Its large size provides plenty of shade during hot summer months, making it the prime location for Hindu merchants to conduct business. The god Krishna is believed to rest in the leaves of this sacred national tree of India.
The Ashoka tree is known for its colorful foliage and flowers. Considered sacred, the tree is often seen planted in palaces, gardens, and temples across India. The Ashoka can be found as an important aspect in many traditions, rituals, and worships. Hindus see the tree as a symbol of love, dedicating it to Kamadeva, the God of Love.
The Bodhi or Peepal tree may have many different names but it is loved by countless for similar reasons. The especially sacred tree is a significant member of all the major religions founded on the Indian continent. Worship and meditation often takes place around the king of trees, a tree with an average lifespan of a thousand years. It is believed that Lord Vishnu was born under the Peepal and gave him protection when the demons defeated the gods.
The Mango, Banyan, Ashoka, and Peepal trees will all be featured in their own stories.
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