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

220 HISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. V.

effect of an ordinance which the priests had passed among themselves, to the effect that they would continue to receive in marriage the daughters of “ behdins,” but that they would not allow their own female relatives to marry with the laity. The Panchayet, therefore, prohibited the giving of daughters in marriage to the priests, and thus sought to deprive them of the unfair privilege they had claimed.

The quarrel owed its immediate origin to a “mobed” having married or betrothed his son to the daughter of a “behdin,” in defiance of the regulation passed by the Panchayet. So great was the excitement that Government was compelled to take notice of the event," and a committee, composed of three European gentlemen, was appointed to investigate the causes of the dispute, and to report upon the best mode of bringing about a satisfactory settlement.

After considerable inquiry the commissioners gave

1 The following is a true copy of an extract from the minutes of consultation, dated 21st April 1786 :—

“The president acquaints the board that some religious disputes at present subsist in the caste of Parsis, which he is apprehensive, from the nature and temper of these people, may be attended with disagreeable consequences unless properly settled, and recommends that a committee be appointed to inquire into the rise of these disputes, and to report upon the best mode of finally settling the same, The president at the same time lays before the board several papers, which have been delivered to him on the occasion by both parties. On consideration of the above, the board agree to appointment of a committee as proposed by the president, and accordingly Messrs. John Forbes,

Edward Ravenscroft, and James Stevens senior are appointed to form the same.”