ABSTRACT
Life in the desert is far from easy and the native communities invariably evolve and adapt unique coping strategies to deal with the environmental hardships. The Bishnoi community, which forms the focus of this chapter, is a thriving example of desert livelihood. As a contrast to threatening images of the global environmental crisis, Chaturvedi delves into the ecological wisdom of Bishnois and attempts to translate it into the framework of cultural tourism. Rajasthan tourism, which has hitherto solely depended on the trope of royal grandeur, can also be made more representative through sensitively developed Bishnoi tourism. An intensive study of the vernacular literature of the Bishnois was supplemented by field investigation in the Bishnoi-populated areas of western Rajasthan for an in-depth analysis. Bishnoi tourism portends both cultural experience as well as physical contexts of built heritage and natural beauty. Therefore, various approaches to Bishnoi tourism address the different interests of potential tourists. More than a commercial activity, Bishnoi tourism should be collaboratively developed to incorporate the perspectives of both the visitors and the visited. The various models and critical issues highlighted in the chapter attempt to contribute to a great future of Bishnoi tourism.
