Ethnography of the Parsees of India: 1886-1936

This volume explores a wide range of Parsee culture and society through essays from the Journal of Anthropological Society of Bombay (1886–1936). It documents intensive scholarship on the Parsee community by eminent anthropologists, Indologists, orientalogists, historians, linguists, and administrators in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The essays discuss the social and cultural frameworks of various key phases in Parsee life, as well as themes such as birth, childhood and initiation, marriage, and death. The volume also features works on Parsee folklore and oral literature. It is an important contribution to Parsi culture and living and will be of interest to scholars and researchers of sociology, social anthropology, ethnography, cultural studies, history, and South Asia studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the rich tapestry of Parsee culture and society, drawing from a wealth of essays published in the Journal of Anthropological Society of Bombay (1886–1936). This esteemed journal served as a platform for esteemed anthropologists, Indologists, orientalogists, historians, linguists, and administrators to undertake extensive scholarship on the Parsee community during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Despite comprising only 0.05% of India's population today, the Parsees, now commonly known as "Parsis," have made substantial contributions to modern India.

The essays featured in this book, through the contributions of notable Parsee scholars such as Jivanji Jamshedji Modi, Bomanjee Byramjee Patell, and Rustamji Munshi, explore the social and cultural frameworks that shaped various pivotal phases of Parsee life nearly a century ago. They also delve into themes such as birth, childhood, initiation, marriage, and death. Additionally, the volume showcases works on Parsee folklore and oral literature, providing valuable insights into the rich heritage of this community.

As a significant contribution to Parsi culture and way of life, this book holds immense interest for scholars and researchers in the fields of sociology, social anthropology, ethnography, cultural studies, history, and South Asia studies. It offers a valuable window into the lives and experiences of the Parsees, shedding light on their customs, traditions, and societal structures. By examining the Journal of Anthropological Society of Bombay, this volume provides a rich and detailed account of Parsee culture and society, contributing to our understanding of this fascinating community and its enduring impact on Indian history and society.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 160 x 241 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032012070