The Parsi community, also known as Zoroastrians, is a minority group in India with a rich history and significant contributions to the country's progress. They originated from Iran and migrated to India between the 8th-10th century to escape persecution and preserve their culture and religion. The Parsis are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, philanthropy, and progressive values, which have enabled them to thrive in various fields, including industry, science, and the arts.
Prominent Parsis include Jamshedji Tata, the "Father of Indian Industrialisation," and his descendants, who have played a significant role in shaping India's economy. Other notable Parsis include Dr. Homi Bhabha, who contributed to India's nuclear program, and Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, a renowned military officer.
The Parsi community's success can be attributed to their strong business acumen, which was facilitated by their involvement in the opium and cotton trade during the 18th and 19th centuries. Their charitable nature is also rooted in their Zoroastrian theology, which emphasizes the importance of doing good deeds.
Despite their significant contributions, the Parsi population in India is dwindling, with approximately 57,000 Parsis residing in the country. The community's fertility rates are low due to their high economic status, and inter-faith marriages have become a topic of debate, with some arguing that the tradition of not considering children of Parsi women who marry outside the community as Parsis is unjust.
Overall, the Parsi community's history, values, and contributions have had a profound impact on India's development, and their legacy continues to inspire and influence the country's progress.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. Jamshedji Tata, Field Marshall Sam Manekshaw, Bollywood actor Boman Irani, and Indian nuclear scientist Dr Homi Bhabha all belong to the Parsi community.
2. The Parsis are a small community in India with a minuscule population.
3. The Parsis are known as the richest and most successful community in India.
4. The word "Parsi" means "Persian".
5. The Parsis originally came from Iran during the 8th-10th century.
6. The Parsis follow the religion of Zoroastrianism.
7. Zoroastrianism is believed to be the oldest monotheistic religion.
8. Zoroastrianism began in Iran around 4,000 years ago.
9. The Parsis migrated to India to escape persecution and to protect their religion and culture.
10. The Parsis settled in the city of Sanjan in Gujarat, India.
11. The Parsis were given refuge by the local king, Maharaja Rana, after they demonstrated their ability to integrate into the local culture.
12. The Parsis had to follow certain conditions, including wearing saris, not carrying weapons, and learning Gujarati.
13. The Parsis became successful traders and merchants, particularly in the opium and cotton trade.
14. The Parsis were able to become wealthy and influential due to their business acumen and strategic trade relationships.
15. The Parsis are known for their charitable works and philanthropy.
16. According to Zoroastrian theology, doing good deeds is one of the devices against evil.
17. The Parsi community accounts for 0.006% of the Indian population, with approximately 57,000 Parsis residing in India.
18. Despite their small population, the Parsis have made significant contributions to Indian industry, science, and politics.
19. The Parsi community follows a patriarchal lineage, where only children born to a Parsi father are considered Parsis.
20. The Parsi population is declining, with a 12% decrease every decade, due to low fertility rates and inter-faith marriages.