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

224 AISTORY OF THE PARSTS. [cHapP. V.

on fairly and smoothly, but after the lapse of about twenty years the power of the Panchayet again dwindled, and its decisions failed to command the respect and obedience previously accorded to them. Death had considerably thinned the ranks of the original members of the Panchayet, and proper steps had not been taken, either by the community itself or by Government, to fill up the vacancies as they occurred. The sons of the old members assumed seats on the Panchayet without any authority from either, and, as is usual in such cases, their position began to be estimated at a lower value. In short, the reputation of the Panchayet steadily waned.

In 1818, however, the leading members of the Parsi community exerted themselves to resuscitate the old Panchayet. A public meeting was held in Dadiseth’s fire-temple, and eighteen members were elected, twelve being laymen and six priests.‘ The Panchayet thus formed convened a public meeting,

1 BreHDINs or LAYMEN.

Dayar Framji Nanabhai. | Sorabji Watcha Ghandhi. Wadia Jamshedji Bamanji. Barjorji Dorabji Dadibarjorna. Seth Kharshedji Ardeshir. | Kharshedji Manakji Shroff. Dhanjibhai Sorabji Readymoney. Dadabhai Kavasji Sayer. Wadia Hormasji Bamanji. Pestanji Bhikhaji Panday. Framji Kavasji Banaji. Naorozji Mahyarji.

Tar Dasturs AND Mopeps (Curer Priests AND PRIESTS). Dastur Kharshedji Jamshedji of | Seth Rastamji Shapurji. Naysari. Dorabji Framji Panthaki. Mulla Firoz Kavasji. Andhiaru Hormasji Dorabji LasSeth Meryanji Naorozji. kari.