My Head for a Tree

For readers of Barry Lopez and Wade Davis comes a remarkable journey among India’s Bishnoi people, passionate defenders of nature whose ecological wisdom carries a powerful message for the world.

The story is true, though it reads like a fable. In 1730, the Maharajah of Jodhpur sent his troops to chop down a forest in northwest India. When 363 local villagers, led by Amrita Devi, hugged the trees to protect them, the Maharajah’s men chopped off their heads. Who are these people who love trees so much that they would give their lives to save them?

Meet the Bishnoi, followers of the only religion with nature conservation at its heart. Today, Bishnois remain fierce defenders of trees and animals, living by principles set by their guru Jambhoji in the fifteenth century. They chase down armed poachers, rescue and care for injured animals, save endangered species, and lead heroic reforestation efforts in the Rajasthani desert. In a time of biodiversity loss and climate change, what lessons do they have to teach us?

Martin Goodman was invited deep into the world of the Bishnoi, who asked him to share their message. My Head for a Tree takes us from temples, homes, and schoolrooms to animal sanctuaries, farms, and desert forests, revealing a thriving community of eco-warriors. Their stories inspire and challenge readers to live more kindly and defend nature with a passion. While you can only be born a Bishnoi, Goodman writes, we can all follow their example.

Martin Goodman is the author of eleven books of fiction and nonfiction. He holds the chair of Creative Writing at the University of Hull, where he is director of the Philip Larkin Centre for Poetry and Creative Writing.

Ram Niwas Bishnoi Budhnagar is a leading Bishnoi activist, the former leader of the Bishnoi Tiger Force, and president of the Youth Congress of Jodhpur.