ABSTRACT
Various factors combined in the mid-nineteenth century to weaken the hold of Bombay Parsis on their main power base-wealth. The first was the increased competition from other Indian races or castes who were adapting to the changed economic and political situation under British rule. In Bombay the Parsis were pioneers in the use of this new power base. Most studies of the Parsis comment on the fact they were among the leading consumers of British education in Bombay, but it is surprising that no attempt has so far been made to write a history of their place in the growth of western education in the city. 'School' is perhaps a grand name for the centres. None had their own building, there was usually only one teacher, generally a Brahmin, who was hired only for the period where there was thought to be a need.
