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

208 HISTORY OF THE PARSIS. [CHAP. IV.

of insects would do if we committed our bodies to the ground. In a sanitary point of view, nothing can be more perfect than our plan. Even the rain-water which washes our skeletons is conducted by channels into purifying charcoal. Here in these five towers rest the bones of all the Parsis that have lived in Bombay for the last two hundred years. We form a united body in life, and we are united in death.”

The effect produced upon Professor Monier Wilhams’s mind after hearing the above observations is thus described by himself in a letter published in the Times. He says therein :

“T could not help thinking that, however much such a system may shock our European feelings and ideas, yet our own method of interment, if regarded from a Parsi point of view, may possibly be equally revolting to Parsi sensibilities. The exposure of the decaying body to the assaults of innumerable worms may have no terrors for us, because our survivors do not see the assailants ; but let it be borne in mind that neither are the Parsi survivors permitted to look at the swoop of the heaven-sent birds. Why, then, should we be surprised if they prefer the more rapid to the more lingering operation? and which of the two systems, they may reasonably ask, is more defensible on sanitary grounds?”

Professor Monier Williams visited the “dokhmas” a second time in the same year, and communicated his views to the Parsi Panchayet in the following terms :—

“On Friday, 10th November 1876, I had the pleasure of a second visit to the towers of silence. I had already expressed my opinion in a letter published in the London Times of the 28th Jantiary 1876, as to the excellent arrangements connected with the place set apart by the Parsis for the exposure of their dead. My second visit has confirmed me in my opinion that the Parsi method of disposing of dead bodies is as perfect as anything can