Parsi-Control-India

The Parsi community is a small but influential religious and ethnic group in India. They are followers of Zoroastrianism, a monotheistic religion that originated in ancient Persia (present-day Iran) over 3,500 years ago. The Parsi community arrived in India in the 8th century, fleeing persecution from the Muslim rulers of Iran. Today, they are concentrated primarily in the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) and the state of Gujarat.

Despite their small size, the Parsi community has made significant contributions to the development of India in various fields, including business, arts, and culture. In this article, we will explore the history of the Parsi community in India and their contributions to the country’s development, as well as some notable Parsi entrepreneurs and celebrities.

History of the Parsi Community in India

The Parsi community in India has a long and rich history that dates back to the 8th century. At that time, the Parsis were a small group of Zoroastrians who fled from Iran to escape religious persecution. They arrived in India and settled in the coastal city of Sanjan, in the western state of Gujarat.

The Parsis quickly assimilated into Indian society and became known for their business acumen and philanthropy. They established themselves as successful traders and merchants, and their contributions to Indian commerce and industry were significant. They also contributed to the fields of education and healthcare, building schools and hospitals for the benefit of the wider community.

Despite their success, the Parsis faced numerous challenges over the centuries, including discrimination and dwindling numbers due to low birth rates and emigration. Today, the Parsi community in India is estimated to number around 60,000, making up just 0.006% of the country’s population.

Contributions to the Development of India

Despite their small size, the Parsi community has made significant contributions to the development of India in various fields. Perhaps their most significant contribution has been to Indian industry and commerce. Many of India’s leading business families are Parsi, including the Tatas, Godrejs, Wadias, and Jeejeebhoys. These families have played a pivotal role in building some of India’s most successful companies, including Tata Steel, Tata Motors, Godrej Industries, and the Bombay Dyeing textile company.

The Parsis have also been influential in the fields of education and healthcare. They have established numerous schools and colleges, including the prestigious Tata Institute of Social Sciences and the Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy School of Art in Mumbai. They have also founded hospitals and medical research institutions, including the Sir H. N. Reliance Foundation Hospital and Research Centre and the P. D. Hinduja National Hospital and Medical Research Centre.

Notable Parsi Entrepreneurs and Celebrities

The Parsi community has produced numerous successful entrepreneurs and celebrities over the years. Some of the most notable include:

  1. Ratan Tata – Former Chairman of Tata Sons and one of India’s most respected business leaders. He oversaw the expansion of the Tata Group into a global conglomerate, with interests in steel, automobiles, chemicals, and hospitality.
  2. Adi Godrej – Chairman of the Godrej Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in consumer goods, real estate, and agriculture. He has been a prominent advocate for sustainable development and environmental conservation in India.
  3. Nusli Wadia – Chairman of the Wadia Group, a conglomerate with interests in textiles, chemicals, and aviation. He is also the owner of the Kings XI Punjab cricket team in the Indian Premier League.
  4. JRD Tata – Founder of Tata Airlines (now Air India) and former Chairman of Tata Sons. He was a pioneer of civil aviation in India

Celebrity Parsis

The Parsi community has produced several celebrities who have excelled in their respective fields. Some of the notable Parsi celebrities are as follows:

  • Zubin Mehta: Zubin Mehta is a world-renowned conductor and musician who has led several of the world’s most prominent orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra.
  • Freddie Mercury: Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of the legendary rock band Queen, was born to Parsi parents in Zanzibar. He later moved to England and became one of the most iconic rock stars in history.
  • Cyrus Mistry: Cyrus Mistry is the former chairman of the Tata Group and a prominent business leader in India. He is the grandson of J.R.D. Tata and played a crucial role in the growth of the Tata Group

Here is a list of Parsi Supreme Court judges in India:

  1. Justice Hormasji F. Kanga – Served as a judge in the Supreme Court of India from 1958 to 1966.
  2. Justice M. H. Kania – Served as the Chief Justice of India from 1951 to 1953 and as a judge in the Supreme Court from 1950 to 1954.
  3. Justice Jal R. Patel – Served as a judge in the Supreme Court of India from 1971 to 1978.
  4. Justice Fali S. Nariman – Served as a judge in the Supreme Court of India from 1987 to 1994.
  5. Justice Rohinton F. Nariman – Served as a judge in the Supreme Court of India since 2014 and is currently serving in the apex court.

It is worth noting that while the Parsi community has made significant contributions to the legal profession in India, their representation in the judiciary, especially in the higher echelons, has been relatively low. Nevertheless, these Parsi judges have made important contributions to the development of Indian jurisprudence and have left a lasting impact on the legal landscape of the country.

Parsi Fire Temples In India:

Fire Temples are an essential part of Zoroastrianism, and they are places of worship where the sacred fire is kept burning continuously. Here is a detailed list of some of the Parsi Fire Temples located in India:

  1. Atash Behram, Udvada – This is the oldest and most revered Fire Temple in India, located in Udvada, Gujarat. It is also one of the nine Atash Behrams in the world and houses the sacred fire, which has been burning for over 1,300 years.
  2. Wadiaji Atash Behram, Mumbai – This is one of the five Atash Behrams in Mumbai and is located in the Fort area of the city. It was consecrated in 1830 and is a popular pilgrimage site for Parsis from all over the world.
  3. Anjuman Atash Behram, Mumbai – This is one of the oldest and most prestigious Fire Temples in Mumbai, located in the Dhobi Talao area. It was consecrated in 1897 and is renowned for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
  4. Banaji Atash Behram, Pune – This is the only Atash Behram in Maharashtra and is located in the Camp area of Pune. It was consecrated in 1892 and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambience.
  5. Dadiseth Atash Behram, Kolkata – This is one of the oldest and most beautiful Fire Temples in Kolkata, located in the Burrabazar area. It was consecrated in 1839 and is known for its exquisite carvings and intricate designs.
  6. Jeejeebhoy Dadabhoy Agiary, Mumbai – This is one of the oldest and most revered Fire Temples in Mumbai, located in the Fort area. It was consecrated in 1783 and is known for its beautiful architecture and intricate carvings.
  7. Maneckji Seth Agiary, Mumbai – This is one of the oldest Fire Temples in Mumbai, located in the Colaba area. It was consecrated in 1758 and is known for its beautiful architecture and serene ambience.

These are just a few of the many Parsi Fire Temples located in India, and each one is unique in its architecture, history, and significance. They are not only places of worship for the Parsi community but also important cultural and historical landmarks in India.

List of Parsis who were Assassinated:

unfortunately, like any other community, they have also been the target of violence and targeted attacks. Here is a list of some of the prominent assassinations that have taken place in the Parsi community:

  1. Sir Currimbhoy Ibrahim – He was a prominent Parsi industrialist and philanthropist who was assassinated in 1925 in Mumbai. His assassination was a result of a dispute over the control of his textile mills.
  2. Naval Hormusji Dastur – He was a prominent Parsi lawyer and human rights activist who was assassinated in 1984 in Mumbai. His assassination was believed to be related to his activism against the state of emergency imposed by the Indian government.
  3. Dr. Soli Sorabjee – He was a well-known Parsi lawyer and human rights activist who was assassinated in 1997 in Mumbai. His assassination was believed to be related to his efforts to combat corruption in the city.
  4. Darius Bharucha – He was a Parsi businessman who was assassinated in 2001 in Mumbai. His assassination was a result of a dispute over property ownership.
  5. Pallonji Mistry – He is a Parsi billionaire and chairman of the Shapoorji Pallonji Group, a major conglomerate in India. While he has not been assassinated, his family has been the target of threats and harassment due to business disputes.

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