Parsees Collection

Parsee Tower of Silence
The Parsees (= Persians) (worshippers of Zoroaster) flee Muslim persecution in Persia and settle in India; their dead are exposed naked on these Towers of Silence

Zorastrian High Priest reciting before the sacred fire. Zorastrians are a remnant of the ancient Iranian
535757 Zorastrian High Priest reciting before the sacred fire. Zorastrians are a remnant of the ancient Iranian fire-worshippers who followed the system of belief founded by Zoraster (c628 BC-c551 BC)

Bombay Parsees with an Address of Welcome to the Prince, 1876. Creator: Unknown
Bombay Parsees with an Address of Welcome to the Prince [of Wales], 1876. The future King Edward VII on a royal visit to India

Parsees in Bombay (engraving)
967218 Parsees in Bombay (engraving) by English School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Parsees in Bombay)

Parsees, c. 1870s (b / w photo)
495566 Parsees, c.1870s (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Parsis (or Parsees)

A Parsee gentleman and his children (colour litho)
2794652 A Parsee gentleman and his children (colour litho) by English School, (20th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Parsee gentleman and his children)

Pyre with Persian priests, illustration from Il Costumo Antico e Moderno
CHT243025 Pyre with Persian priests, illustration from Il Costumo Antico e Moderno by Giulio Ferrario, Milan, 1819-1834 (coloured engraving) by Biasioli

Parsis de Bombay (engraving)
2790215 Parsis de Bombay (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Parsis de Bombay. Illustration for Le Tour Du Monde (Hachette, 1869)

Parsee Woman and Child, c. 1870s (b / w photo)
495567 Parsee Woman and Child, c.1870s (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Indian costumes, late 19th Century (engraving)
968777 Indian costumes, late 19th Century (engraving) by German School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Indian costumes, late 19th Century)

Parsis in Bombay, c. 1870s (b / w photo)
495564 Parsis in Bombay, c. 1870s (b/w photo) by English Photographer, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Parsis (or Parsees)

The Chief of the Parsee Race (b / w photo)
3091606 The Chief of the Parsee Race (b/w photo) by Stone, J. Benjamin (1838-1914); Private Collection; (add.info.: The Chief of the Parsee Race)

Zoroastrian Boarding School - Devlali, India - The Dining Room at Tea time

High Parsi Priest - India
The High Priest of the Parsis (Parsees) - the Zoroastrians - performing a religious ceremony

Parsee Marriage, India
A marriage ceremony among the Parsis (Parsees), followers of Zoroaster, in India. A female sitar player provides a musical accompaniment

Baptism, Persia
A baptism among the Parsees - ritual bathing followed by circumcision and ritual cleansing

Zoroastrian Baptism
Baptism by fire, practised by the Parsees of Bombay State, India, followers of Zoroaster (Zarathustra) to whom fire is sacred

Parsee Marriage Ceremony
Marriage ceremony among the Parsees (Zoroastrians) in Bombay State

Zoroastrian Fire Worship
Fire worship among the Zoroastrians (Parsees), originating in Persia. This scene is at Baku, in Azerbaijan

Racial / India / Parsees
Parsees from Eastern India (and from Singapore)

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The Parsees, a vibrant community known for their rich cultural heritage and unique customs, have left an indelible mark on the history of India. From the iconic Parsee Tower of Silence to the bustling streets of Bombay, their presence is deeply ingrained in the fabric of this diverse nation. Intriguing engravings from bygone eras transport us back to a time when Parsees thrived in Bombay. The c. 1870s black and white photograph captures a moment frozen in time, showcasing dignified men and women donning traditional attire with pride. A colour lithograph portrays a distinguished Parsee gentleman surrounded by his beloved children, epitomizing familial bonds cherished within this close-knit community. Illustrations from Il Costumo Antico e Moderno reveal ancient rituals that continue to shape Parsee traditions today. One such ritual is depicted through an illustration featuring Persian priests overseeing a pyre - an emblematic symbol of their faith's reverence for nature and purity. The late 19th-century black and white photo showcases a harmonious Parsee family, exuding warmth as they pose together. Another engraving transports us to Bombay's lively streets during the same era; it encapsulates everyday life for Parsis as they navigate bustling markets or engage in spirited conversations with fellow community members. A striking black and white portrait introduces us to The Chief of the Parsee Race - his regal demeanor reflecting leadership qualities admired amongst his people. Meanwhile, at Zoroastrian Boarding School in Devlali, India, young minds are nurtured amidst serene surroundings as they learn about their ancestral roots while embracing modern education. These glimpses into the world of Parsis offer just a taste of their fascinating culture that continues to thrive today. With each passing generation preserving age-old customs while adapting to contemporary times, this resilient community ensures that its legacy endures – forever enriching India's tapestry with its vibrant traditions and unwavering spirit.