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

CHAP. V.] INTERNAL GOVERNMENT. 215

recognised leaders exercised some degree of control or command over their brethren in the regulation of these matters. After leaving Sanjan the Parsis settled in different towns of Gujarat, and those who, by reason of their wealth or knowledge, rose to a higher position than their brethren doubtless exercised considerable influence over their fellow-countrymen. In the course of time the Hindu system of governing the caste by a Panchayet, or an assembly of a certain number of leading men, found favour and became established in the Parsi community. We do not find, however, any mention of a regularly organised Panchayet until the commencement of the eighteenth century, although it is almost certain that the Parsis offered as a body, from the early years of their expatriation from Persia, complete submission to the headmen of their community wherever they happened to be located.

As might naturally be expected, owing to the circumstances under which the Parsis left their native country, the vicissitudes they had undergone, and the way in which they had scattered themselves among a people different in their manners, social life, and religion, without possessing any of the important books of even their own religion, they had become less informed about, and more ignorant of, the true tenets and practices of their creed as time went on. Whenever they required any information or enlightenment