History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

CHAP. III.] THE PARSI DRESS. 117

whose ancestors were known for their public spirit and generosity.

The more numerous class, the Shehenshais, is represented by Sir Jamshedji Jijibhai, Baronet, the wealthy and liberal Petits, and many other rich and respectable families.

All the festivals of the Parsis are observed by both sects in exactly the same manner, only on different dates.

We have now to describe the costume of the Parsis. The dress of the modern Parsis of India differs from that worn by their ancestors in Persia and by their present co-religionists in that country. They have adopted the present costume in accordance with their agreement with the Hindu princes who received them in India, and to this is attributable the great resemblance of the “angrakha” (coat) and turban of the men, and the “sari” of the women, to the dress of the Hindus of Gujarat. This costume is, moreover, well adapted to the climate of the country. Beginning with the child, we may mention that its dress, till it attains the age of seven (when it has to be invested with the “sudra” and “‘kusti,” or the sacred shirt and girdle), is simple and not less becoming. It consists of a single garment—a loose shirt of cotton, flannel, or silk—called “jabhla,” extending from the neck and reaching below the knees. Among the well-to-do classes, the habit of putting