A Sociological Survey of Rural Parsis in South-Gujarat:
A Microscopic Study, With Compiled Data on the Parsis
by Dr. Cashmera Percy Bhaya
Article By Yezdi Farokh Motiwalla, Ex- Vice Chairman, Poona Parsee Panchayat Trust.
Dr. Cashmera Percy Bhaya’s “A Sociological Survey of Rural Parsis in South-Gujarat: A Microscopic Study – With Compiled Data on the Parsis”, self-published in 2024, which is not for sale and shared with those who are interested, is an exceptional and meticulously researched work that delves deeply into the lives of the Parsi community in rural South Gujarat and several other facets of the Indian and Global Parsis. As Rukshana Nanji, the Indian archaeologist, has aptly put it, ‘’This study will prove to be the definitive sociological work on the Parsis in recent times, just as Delphine Menant’s work was in the last century.’’ It is a must-read for anyone interested in sociology, demography, or the history of the Parsis as a vital reference book as of April 2024.
Her research goes beyond mere academic inquiry – it is a labour of love to collate the latest information on different topics from various sources so that a large volume of variant data could be available in just one book particularly to facilitate students in their research. What makes Bhaya’s work valuable is its utility for students and scholars of sociology, history, demography, and religion and for both Parsi and non-Parsi lay readers. The book features an extensive bibliography of over 300 citations, an elaborate glossary and index, and the inclusion of the original Gujarati survey questionnaire translated into English, offering a rich resource for future studies on rural Parsis.
Her study identifies critical areas for further research, such as the impact of financial and health issues on marriage within the community.
This 642-page book includes the Bhaya Report which she presented in 1988 which made available data on Parsi families of rural South-Gujarat living in abject poverty of which the community was hitherto blissfully unaware, Bhaya’s doctoral thesis on the Parsis of Choriyasi Taluka of Surat District in Gujarat in the 1990’s, the dynamics of their declining population and the formation of the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust in Bombay in 1991 under the Chairmanship of Dinshaw Tamboly on the basis of the Bhaya Report to implement the Gujarat Farmer’s Rehabilitation programme which is an ongoing project to date.
Additionally, the author has very painstakingly compiled a wide array of data and inserted brief, diverse, informative and interesting details such as the ordainment of Vada Dasturji Tehemton Mirza in Iranshah Atash Behram in Udvada on February 11, 2024, that there is a 2,000-year-old Jewish cemetery which is well-maintained and open to visitors near Alibaug close to Mumbai, the population of Jews in India was 4,650 in the 2011 Census of India, the Afarganyu (fire vase) in the prayer room of the Zarathushti Heritage and Culture Center in Houston is from the Sukkur Dar-e-Meher in Pakistan, the only Fasli Atash Kadeh in the world is in Mumbai, there were once 115 Towers of Silence in India, the Seth Muncherji Dakhma in Surat is the largest in India with four pavis in contrast to the usual three pavis, Bahrain is the only country in the Middle-East with an aramgah exclusively for Zoroastrians, the forest of Doongerwadi in Mumbai is being revived, one of the sixteen fires for the consecration of the Wadiaji Atash Behram in Mumbai was transported from Calcutta and a special feature of Banaji Limji Agiary in Mumbai is that the devotees can climb the staircase and go right up to the Gumbaj (dome) to see the Kebla (sanctum sanctorum where the consecrated fire is kept) from above, and such elucidative facts.
The reader will also learn more about the three titles for Zoroastrian priests; the names of the current six Vada Dasturjis (High Priests) of the Parsi community in India; the women who have been ordained as priests for the first time in the history of the Zoroastrian community worldwide in Iran and North America; how the Iranshah Fire was enthroned in Udvada; Iranshah Udvada Utsav, the first ever festival organised at Udvada in 2015; the Parsi Zoroastrian Guards of the Holy Fire, a new initiative launched by some Parsis in 2018; why Zoroastrians cannot be called Fire Worshippers; importance of facing the East while praying; why do Parsis have two Havan Gahs according to Vada Dasturji Firoze Kotwal; the practice of adding 38 minutes to the Local Time for prayers in India; the emergence of the three sects in the Parsi community, the Shahenshahis, Kadmis and Faslis and their calendars; simplified definitions of Jashan, Faresta, Atash Behram, Atash Adaran and Atash Dadgah; names and meanings of Five Gathas; the Parsi Marriage and Divorce Act; Marital Status of the Parsis in the 2011 Census of India; Inter-Community marriages in India as of 2020; Parsi school children in Indian Censuses; Literacy Rate of Indian Parsis in 2001; General Literacy Rate in 2011 Census of India; average Life Span of a Parsi in India as of 2013; the 2017 National Survey of the Elderly Parsis in India; the 2017 Study on the Housing Patterns of Present day Parsis; Unemployment Rate in India as of 2011; Migration of the Population in India during Covid Pandemic of 2020 and World Birth and Death Rates as of 2022.
One of the key strengths of this book is its breadth and detail, covering historical, cultural, and demographic aspects of the Parsi community in India. It begins with a detailed overview of Parsi history, including who are the Parsis, Prophet Zarathushtra and his teachings, holy scriptures of the Zoroastrians, migration of the Parsis from Iran to India, their early settlements in different parts of Gujarat in India, their subsequent rise in Bombay, perspectives of historians and archaeologists on the migration theory, the chronicle Kisseh-i-Sanjan and the archaeological excavations at Sanjan in 2002.
The book includes compelling sections on the contributions of Parsis in different fields such as their role in the Indian National Movement and highlights significant moments, such as the presentation of Madam Bhikaji Cama’s portrait in the Indian Parliament in 1989 by the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal, the establishment of the Shri Dadabhai Naoroji Prize for Social Science Teachers in 2006, the first of its kind in India, an initiative supported by Bhaya’s fundraising efforts and Bhaya’s personal support to education such as the institution of the Dr. Cashmera P. Bhaya Gold Medal at Sardar Patel University in Gujarat in 2006.
Mr. Darius Viraf Bharucha presenting the book to Aban Rustomji Co-Chair of the FIRES Committee at FEZANA and the Librarian at the Zoroastrian Association of Houston, on September 8, 2004.
Dr. Bhaya has compiled data on all the Indian Censuses from the years 1881 up to 2011 to highlight the decline of the Parsis in India and has discussed at length the findings of demographers, historians and community members on the factors contributing to the Parsi community’s numerical decline.
The book also explores national and international responses to this decline such as UNESCO’s Parzor Project in India including the Zoroastrian Return To Roots Programme and the Government of India’s Jiyo Parsi Scheme. The book extends its scope to global perspectives by including surveys of World Zoroastrians (FEZANA, 2012), Zoroastrians in the Gulf countries (2020), Survey of World Zoroastrian Seniors in the 12th World Zoroastrian Congress (2022), Zoroastrian Seniors of Sultanate of Oman (2022) and Zoroastrians in Pakistan (2023).
For the interest of Parsi and non-Parsi lay readers, the book provides insights into Parsi religious practices, including descriptions of birth, marriage, and death ceremonies, alternative methods of disposal of the dead for the Parsis, an extensive review of the three grades of Parsi fire temples, the Parsi priesthood, their initiation rites and the deteriorating condition of Agiaries and Dakhmas.
Simultaneously, the research scholars will find the compilation of births and deaths of the Mumbai Parsis from 1955 to 2015, annual death occurrences from 2016 to March 2021, birth and death rates of the Parsis in 2001 Census of India and the meaning of birth rates and death rates, very useful.
For students who are particularly interested in Gujarat, there is a complete section on the review of literature on the Gujarat Parsis, including the Zoroastrian Residents of Surat City in 2019, the active role of Surat Parsi Panchayat in Surat and Gujarat villages, the role of the Surat Parsi Pragati Mandal in South-Gujarat, Zoroastrian families in Vadodara in 2022 and the rehabilitation work done by the World Zoroastrian Organisation Trust in South-Gujarat on the basis of the Bhaya Report up to 2021.
In her conclusion, Dr. Bhaya advocates for collective action to address the various challenges faced by the Parsi community today. To quote her, “It is time to stand united to create change and take our community forward.” “Sociological Survey of Rural Parsis in South Gujarat” is not just a study; it is a call to action, inviting readers to appreciate, preserve, and support the rich cultural legacy of the Parsis.
Comprehensive Presentation
Dr. Bhaya’s commitment to excellence is evident not only in her rigorous research but also in the way she has chosen to present her findings. The cover page immediately draws the reader in offering a visually appealing first impression that reflects the profound research encapsulated within. From the moment the reader opens the book, the quality of the paper and print stands out. The choice of high-quality, durable paper ensures that the book is both aesthetically pleasing and practical for frequent handling, making it a cherished addition to any library or personal collection. The writing style is clear, precise, and scholarly yet accessible, making complex sociological concepts understandable to a broader audience. The thoughtful layout, with well-organized chapters and clearly marked sections, enhances the flow of information, guiding the reader seamlessly through the narrative. One of the book’s most commendable features is its user-friendly design, particularly the choice of a larger-than-usual font size. This decision demonstrates a keen understanding of the needs of the book’s diverse readership, which includes both young and elderly individuals and allows the book’s valuable insights to reach a wider audience.
Magnum Opus in National and International Institutions
Dr. Bhaya’s goal is to ensure that libraries, Zoroastrian organisations, welfare bodies, research scholars and individuals who can help the community have access to this valuable resource. This book is readily accessible to research scholars in major libraries across India, including the K R Cama Library, the Asiatic Library, the Central Library, the F. D. Alpaiwalla Museum Library, the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, the J. N. Petit Institute Library and the Jawaharlal Nehru Library in the University of Mumbai; the First Dastoor Meherjirana Library in Navsari; the Central Library of Pune; the Central Library of Nagpur; Smt Hansa Mehta Library in Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda; the Bhaikaka Library in Sardar Patel University of Vallabh Vidyanagar; University Central Library in Veer Narmad South Gujarat University of Surat; Parzor Archives in Delhi, Library in the Tibet House of Delhi, Library in Lady Shri Ram College in the University of Delhi, among others.
Internationally, the book can be found in libraries associated with the World Zoroastrian Organisation in London; the Zoroastrian Association of Houston and the Zoroastrian Association of Greater New York in USA; the Zoroastrian Society of Ontario, the Ontario Zoroastrian Community Foundation and the University of Toronto. Dr. Bhaya’s work has been shared with key Parsi institutions such as the Bombay Parsi Punchayet, Surat Parsi Panchayat, Vadodara Parsi Panchayat and Delhi Parsi Anjuman, and, with individuals involved in Zoroastrian studies and community welfare programmes.
Author’s Profile
Dr. Cashmera Bhaya (nee Cashmera Murzban Motan Bharucha) is a Sociologist. She was formerly a Visiting Consultant in Medical Sociology in the Department of Behavioural Medicine at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman. She has received numerous awards and honors, including commendations from major academic and Zoroastrian institutions.
Dr. Tester F. Ashavaid, Consultant Biochemist, Chief of Labs (Admin) and Director – Lab Research, Department of Lab Medicine, P. D. Hinduja Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, being presented with the book by Dr. Cashmera Bhaya in her office on December 24, 2024.