ABSTRACT
[…] Parsees at Bombay are the descendants of a small colony which emigrated from Persia in circumstances the most miserable, it is a matter of some surprise to a stranger in India, that this people have simultaneously with the progress of British power in India have risen into affluence and importance, while the other natives of the land, Mahomedans and Hindoos, have fallen into insignificance. The ancestors of the [Parsi] race were remarkable for their warlike, enterprising, and industrious spirit. […] Living under [British] Government which they consider quite paternal, and having no political interest in the land, there is nothing for them to fight for, and they have consequently concentrated all their strength in the latter two qualities of their ancient race, industry andenterprise. These qualities in which the other natives of India are sadly deficient, have given to the Parsees that position which they now hold. 1
