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

CHAP. 1] CHANGA ASA. 5

his countrymen. It was by his encouragement and support, as we have already stated, that an Indian Parsi was first sent to Persia to obtain information on certain religious and social questions concerning his race. It was under his auspices that the Sanjan sacred fire was safely removed to Navsari from Bansda. “He represented to his fellow-citizens that it was difficult to go to adore the Atash-Behram at Bansda, for the feast connected with its worship came on the ninth day of the month Adar, which was the time of the ramy season. He afterwards made them fully aware of the benefit they derived from having the Atash-Behram in their town, and induced them to bring it there. The people applauded his proposal, and the Atash-Behram was brought with great pomp from Bansda to Navsari.”!

Changa Asa had, through his wealth and influence, also obtained from the Hindu rajas immunity from the tribute which as foreigners they were required to pay. ‘The fame of his piety, liberality, and goodness of heart had spread all over Gujarat, and even into Persia. Anquetil du Perron, in his account of his travels in India, says of Changa Asa that he was a faithful observer of the Zoroastrian law. He distributed his wealth among the poor, provided the Parsis with “sudras” and “kustis,” and endeavoured

' Bhikhaji Edalji Kanga’s translation of Anquetil du Perron’s Travels,