Every year, all trees eventually dry up at some point, with their leaves shriveling and falling off. However, there is one tree that never dries up throughout the year.
Its lush green leaves remain on its branches all twelve months. Yes, we are talking about the Khejri tree, also known as the Shami tree. This tree has different names in various regions; for instance, in Uttar Pradesh, it is called the Chhonkara tree, while in Gujarat, it is referred to as the Shami or Sumri tree.
In Rajasthan, it is known as the Khejri, Jant/Janti, or Sangri tree. In the United Arab Emirates, this tree is called Ghaf. In English, it is known as Prosopis cineraria.
The Khejri tree is vital for the people living in the desert, particularly in the Thar Desert and other sandy regions. This tree serves as a life-giving source for those residing in arid areas.
Even in the scorching heat that can melt the earth, the Khejri tree provides shade and protection from the sun for both the people and animals in the desert. It remains lush and green even during the peak summer months.
During severe droughts in the desert, when food becomes scarce, the Khejri tree offers fodder for animals, known as "loong." People also consume its flowers and fruits; the flowers are called "minjhar," while the fruits are known as "sangri," which are used to prepare delicious curries.
After the fruits dry, they are referred to as "khokha," which is a dried fruit that can be used as a nutritious snack.
The wood of this tree is quite strong, making it useful for people for fuel and furniture-making. Plows are made from the roots of this tree.
During times of drought, it serves as the only support for the desert inhabitants and their animals. It is said that in 1899, there was a severe drought known as the "Chhapaniya Drought."
During that time, the people of the desert survived by consuming the bark, fruits, and flowers of this tree. Another remarkable feature of this tree is that crops tend to yield better when grown under its shade.
For the people living in the desert, this tree holds such importance that they would rather sacrifice their lives than allow it to be cut down. There is a well-known true story related to this, revolving around a woman's and her family's sacrifice for the tree's protection.
In 1730 AD, Maharaja Abhai Singh of the Jodhpur Empire ordered the cutting down of these trees to create a path for his new palace. However, Amrita Devi, who lived in the village of Khejarli near Jodhpur, along with her three young daughters and her husband, gave their lives to protect those khejri trees.
Inspired by their sacrifice, the villagers became enraged and vehemently opposed the Maharaja's order to save the trees.
Despite their protests, the king ignored them and upheld his command. Ultimately, in the struggle to save these trees, 363 villagers lost their lives.
