In Rajasthan, as part of The Big Tree Quest, the stories of trees span both deep time and human history. Fossilized trunks point to forests that existed millions of years ago, while sites linked to communities like the Bishnois reflect a long-standing tradition of protecting living trees.
Species: Fossilized wood (petrified trees)
Estimated age: ~180 million years
Akal Wood Fossil Park near Jaisalmer holds fossilized tree trunks from the Jurassic period, preserved as petrified wood. Several large logs lie across the site, some extending over 10 meters in length.
These fossils are part of a larger geological landscape that also includes sea shells and other marine remains, indicating that the region once supported a warm, humid forest before the formation of the Thar Desert.
The site is recognized as a National Geological Monument and continues to preserve these remains in their exposed form.
Type: Metal sculpture (Tree of Life / Kalpavriksh)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
The Tree of Life at the Lodurva Jain Temple is a detailed sculptural representation located on the temple structure. It features intricate carvings of birds and foliage, all emerging from a central tree form.
The sculpture is made using metal, often described as ashtadhatu (a mix of eight alloys), with fine detailing visible across the structure. It represents the Kalpavriksh, or wish-fulfilling tree, within the Jain context.
It is not a living tree, but a crafted form integrated into the temple architecture. This is one of the few instances in the journey where the “tree” is represented through sculpture rather than as a natural specimen.
Species: Adansonia digitata (Baobab)
Estimated age: ~800+ years (as locally believed)
Two baobab trees stand in Mangaliyawas near Ajmer, forming a pair that is locally identified as “male” and “female.” Both trees have large, thick trunks and are considered among the older baobab specimens in the region.
The trees are locally referred to as Kalpavriksha, with people visiting the site to tie threads around the trunks believing the trees have the power to fulfill wishes.
Species: Not clearly identified (locally described as a red fruit tree)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented
There lies a fruit-bearing tree at the Taragarh Dargah in Ajmer that is associated with a long-standing local belief related to fertility. The tree is located within the dargah of Meeran Syed Hussain Khingsawar on Taragarh Hill, separate from the main Ajmer Sharif complex.
It is often referred to as a “miracle tree” in local accounts, with visitors coming to consume its fruit as part of this belief.
Species: Adansonia digitata (Baobab)
Estimated age: Not precisely documented (original tree no longer present)
A baobab tree once stood beside the Dilwara Jain Temple in Mount Abu and was locally referred to as Kalpavriksha. The original tree is no longer present, with only visible remains indicating where it once stood.
In its place, two baobab saplings have been planted near the same location. These are intended to continue the presence of the tree at the site.
The earlier tree is remembered for its size and structure, with the fibrous texture of the remaining trunk still visible on site.
Species: Prosopis cineraria (Khejri)
The Khejri trees at Khejarli are associated with a historic event from 1730, where 363 members of the Bishnoi community gave their lives while trying to protect these trees. They resisted the cutting of Khejri trees by the king’s army, which required firewood for construction activities.
Led by Amrita Devi, people from the community embraced the trees to prevent them from being felled and were killed at this location. Their mantra was, “If a tree is saved even at the cost of one’s head, it’s worth it”. A memorial now stands here, marking the site and listing the names of those who were part of this sacrifice.
This incident is recognized as an early example of resistance to deforestation and is often cited as an inspiration for later movements such as Chipko.