By Reena Singh
Some stories do not just narrate history; they breathe it, like ancient trees whispering the wisdom of centuries past. Martin Goodman’s My Head for a Tree is one such story—a lyrical tribute to the Bishnoi community, the world’s first eco-warriors, whose deep commitment to protecting nature is resolute.
At the heart of this book is the historical sacrifice of 363 Bishnois in 1730, who, like steadfast oaks, stood unshaken against the axes of destruction. Their determination to protect the sacred Khejri trees, by sacrificing their lives, represents the great cost of saving the environment.
Goodman does not just recount this sacrifice; he extends its roots into contemporary times, exploring how the Bishnois continue to fight against poaching, deforestation, and human encroachment, standing like lone sentinels in a world increasingly indifferent to nature’s cries.
Goodman journeys through Bishnoi villages, converses with their people in schools, temples, and animal rescue shelters, witnessing how deeply connected the Bishnoi are to nature, caring for it with the same love and devotion a mother has for her child
During his visit to a class, the children share that happiness for them lies in simple pleasures. One student expresses a desire to grow up and become a responsible citizen. For these young minds, contributing to the country’s progress, caring for others, and protecting the environment define a fulfilling life.
He takes the reader by the hand, leading them through dusty trails where blackbucks roam freely under canopies of trees that hold stories older than time. We meet Radheyshyam, who dedicates himself to rescuing the critically-endangered Great Indian Bustards trapped in powerlines; Pooja, who runs a rescue shelter for chinkaras who are hit by vehicles or attacked by stray dogs; Ranaram, who spent 60 years planting over 50,000 trees in the desert against all odds; Birbal and Shaitan Singh, who gave their lives defending chinkaras from poachers; and Ram Niwas Bishnoi, who at the age of 15, joined the Bishnoi Tiger Force. The tiger force operates unarmed against armed individuals, refusing to be intimidated by anyone, even Salman Khan, when he was caught hunting illegally on their land.
Over the years, the tiger force has formed strong alliances with law enforcement, creating information networks to dismantle poaching operations. Their vigilance extends beyond protecting specific species and frequently accompanies police to remote desert regions, focusing on the broader environmental balance. The Bishnoi Tiger Force highlights the power of grassroots movements in the fight against wildlife crime, emphasising the unyielding resolve of local communities to preserve their natural heritage.
Yet, My Head for a Tree is not just an elegy for an endangered way of life—it is a call to action. It asks whether we, too, can learn from the Bishnois, whether we can stand like them in the face of exploitation, see forests as more than timber, and creatures as more than mere existence. In an era where nature’s pulse weakens under human greed, this book is a reminder that the battle for conservation is not just theirs but ours as well.
Goodman’s work is a testament to the fact that true guardianship of the earth does not come from fleeting activism but from a lifelong pledge, much like the Bishnois’ sacred principles. If trees had voices, they would echo the cries of the Bishnois. If rivers had memories, they would remember their touch. And if humanity has hope, it lies in stories like this—stories that remind us that to save nature is to save ourselves. Amrita Devi gave her life for a tree, and that provides us with an example of awareness that we are a single entity, but a tree is for many.
The author is a senior fellow at ICRIER. Views expressed are personal.
Book details:
Title: My Head For A Tree
Author: Martin Goodman
Publisher: Hachette
Number of pages: 272
Price: Rs 699
