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

INTRODUCTION. xix

has manifested itself not merely in a curiosity to discover what form Zoroastrianism preserved in the country of its origin and greatest fame, or in a desire to acquire copies of those early religious books of authority which seem to have been lost during the exile of the so-called Guebres or fire-worshippers in Khorassan, and on the way to India; it showed itself in practical acts, not for the gratification of the Parsis in India, but for the distinct benefit and amelioration of the Parsis of Persia. I have fully explamed all the circumstances connected with the abolition of the hateful “jazia” tax, as well as the sustained efforts and protracted campaign which at last resulted in the removal of many unjust and tyrannical laws that placed the lives, honour, and property of our kinsmen at the mercy of fanatical exponents of the Koran. ‘The Parsis of Persia have been reduced to the lowest straits of misery; but through the energetic efforts of their kinsmen in Bombay they are now, if not launched on the high road of prosperity, at least placed under such conditions as should enable them to have full play for those faculties and qualities with which we do not doubt that they are gifted. I do not think I go too far in declaring that the facts recorded in the second chapter of the first volume amply warrant the statement that the Parsis are inspired by a strong national feeling. VOL. I. b