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

CHAP. 1] THE NAWABS FIRMAN. 21

improper behaviour; that they should on no account impress Parsis for work hereafter; that they should not practise those things which are likely to injuriously affect their religion ; that none of the Kazis of the town of Surat, and all other places within the ‘talukas’ or districts included in the Subah or province of Ahmedabad, should levy fees upon Parsis on occasions of marriages and re-marriages, and that they should not interfere in matters affecting their religion, society, and usage of the caste,matters with which the Parsi community and their Dayar are connected (that is have to deal). You are therefore informed that you may rest assured that such arrangements as were necessary have been made; that no person will in any manner annoy the Parsis, and that should any person disregard this sublime Order, he will meet with due punishment. These few words have been written down in the shape of a Parvyana, or Order, in order that it may be used whenever there may be an occasion.”

Dated the 29th Zilhij Anho Hijri 1127 (A.D. 1710-11).

The present Modi of Surat, Rastamji Kharshedji, now in the enjoyment of green old age, succeeded to the Modiship when very young, with the express consent and sanction of the Government of Bombay. He has shown himself a very loyal subject of the British Crown, and, whenever circumstances required it, his influence in his community at Surat has always been beneficially asserted at the request of the authorities. He has lately been honoured by the Government of India with the title of Khan Bahadur.

In the year 1697 there was born at Surat Sorabji Kavasji, ancestor of the well-known Khan Bahadur Ardeshir Dhanjisha of that city, an account of whose life will be given on subsequent pages. Sorabji