A Brief History of the Parsis--by Sue Darlow
It is not certain when the prophet Zoroaster lived, but the historian Mary Boyce states that a reasonable estimate would be between 1700 and 1500 BC. Zoroastrianism is a divinely revealed, monotheistic religion which especially venerates the element of fire. An ideal Zoroastrian is one who observes "humata, hukhta, hvarshta" (good thought, good words, good deeds). Zoroastriaism flourished for centuries in Persia under such great dynasties as the Archaemenian, Parthian and Sasanian.
In the 7th centruy AD, with the advent of the Arab conquest of Persia and attendant holy war to propagate Islam - by the sword or by persuasion, life for the 'infidels' became very difficult and groups of Zoroastrians fled their homeland. One such group landed on the western coast of Gujarat in India. The reception they received from the local Hindu inhabitants has been charmingly mythologized and various versions exist. One goes like this: Jadi Rana, the raja of Sanjan, presents the newcomers with a bowl, full to the brim with milk, to illustrate that there is no room for them. The chief priest among the arrivals calls for some sugar to be added to the milk, which dissolves imperceptibly. This was to show that while they would merge and blend with the local population, they would cause no disturbance but instead have only a sweetening effect.
This went down very well, as indeed they were granted permission to settle there, but under certain conditions. They could freely practice their religion, but not proselytise. (To this day non Zoroastrians are not allowed inside fire temples in India, while in Iran they are.) They had to adopt the local language (Gujarati) and dress (saris for the women) and they were not to marry outside their faith. Naturally, while they did indeed adopt many of the local ways, they put their own stamp on them, so for instance there is a recognisable Parsi Gujarati language, Parsi cuisine, Parsi style of dress etc. They lived with a low profile for many centuries, mainly as agriculturalists, artisans and traders. Between 1576 and 1579, Dastur Meherji Rana from Navsari participated, as a representative of the Zoroastrians, in the religious debates held at the Moghul Court at the invitation of Emperor Akbar.
However, things changed after the arrival of the British, with many Parsis moving to Bombay (present Mumbai) and flourishing in business, industry and the professions. Examples include the Wadia family which founded the shipbuilding industry, Sir Jamsetji Jejeebhoy who made a fortune in trade with China and elsewhere, and who was a most munificent philanthropist. He was made a Baronet by the British, and many buildings and institutions in Mumbai today attest to his generosity. The Tata Iron and Steel Company and Air India where also started by Parsis. Interestingly, although the Parsis in general admired the British and prospered under them, there were also those who were leading lights in the Indian National Movement and the fight for Independence, such as Madam Bhikajee Cama, Dadabhai Naoroji, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta and Sir Dinshaw Wacha.
The Parsis Today
Today in Iran there still exists a community of some 30,000 Zoroastrians, who have endured many hardships and much persecution over the centuries. Although tiny pockets of Zoroastrian settlers among those who fled have existed in various parts of the globe, including Europe and China, it is the group who settled on the western shores of India who have survived, prospered, retained their separate identity, made their mark and still exist to this day. The Parsis are a unique community, numbering only about 100,000 worldwide, some 70.000 of them remaining in India. Insignificant in number when set against India's vast population of one billion plus, they have nevertheless contributed hugely to the life of the nation, as major industrialists and philanthropists, in the highest levels of the armed forces, in India's nuclear programme, in sports, science, education and administration.
The Parsis are at a rather critical point in their history however. Dwindling numbers threaten the very survival of the community. There has been significant emigration from India to other parts of the world, creating a diaspora, while the young are less inclined than before to marry within the faith. Other modern trends such as urbanisation, westernisation, and female emancipation have all served to put into question the continuance of the community in the form in which it has existed thus far.
Bibliography
While preparing this text, I referred to:
Zoroastrians, Their Religious Beliefs and Practices, by Mary Boyce
Parsi Food and Customs, by Bhichoo Manekshaw
The Parsis, by Piloo Nanavutty
