Oct 1995

I 1 > • ;L • 5; -W ii^9‘ >d r r Vi- I “3k •^aaasrz! IS ’**' «< .-J ¦ It i<*, s,**- w* -»» i \ers, ” he states. “And the rest by the depart- i ment of sports —government of India, and Atlanta Olympics because of the cost fac- by various other agencies. ” tor, ” he adds, “but to prepare for the Asian And how does a yachtsman of his class Games (Hiroshima, 1994), World Cham- major event. We decided not to go for the times but, he laughs, their contributions have really been “like a drop in the ocean. ” About his family Tarapore says that 4 L they have always been supportive. His J 1 ) - - * *' ' ' --- --------- -—-"-“-'“-'J ***v^fc*iv.* uiivl now We don t prepare for one competiton, but European and the Gulf regattas. ” When he wife Anahita have steadily encouraged for a series of competitions. Our planning talks about money, it ’s big money. The him. Whenever he takes part in a compe- in terms of time starts four years before a amount involved comes to 25 lakh rupees tition in and around Bombay, his wife accompanies him. As a student of St Sabastian High School used during practice, ” He appreciates the fact that big houses have helped him at At the '81 World Championships in Bombay Tarapore (left) and with Kelly Rao (below right) braving the waves in an Enterprise class vessel and caliber prepare for a particular event? pionship (South Africa, 1995) and the father Faramroze, mother Coomi and for a series of competitions. Our planning talks about money, it ’s big money. The “ * ¦ ¦ - . - amount involved comes to 25 lakh rupees a year. This includes the import of new boats, because with advanced technology boats are built lighter and lighter and to be and then Don Bosco High School,'Tarapore up-to-date you have to get those boats, else .... - you are out of the competition even before it starts — such is the international stan ­ dard. “Then there ’s the cost of flying boats and men to the different venues of compe ­ tition, ” he says, “of participating in com- _ ________ petitions, as well as the cost of equipment grate all aspects of a race and work out its minutest details. “Mental preparation for a race is 70 percent of the effort, ” he affirms, “and physical readiness is the other 30 percent that together produce a winning race. ” What does he ikivise youngsters who want to join this sport? “If they want to do it for pleasure, they can become members of any of the several yachting\:Iubs here. But if they are thinWng of competitive sailing, they must think twice before tak ­ ing up this sport as it is too expensive. Where will all the money come from? ” He muses that every time he has participated out of India he has come back with a medal and not, he laughs, “with some excuse or the other (as our other sportsmen and women do). ” He feels he has left no stone unturned to do full justice to the sport. “Are the youngsters of today ready to face the challenge? ” he asks. “In the next 25 years I don ’t see any Indian equal my record — certainly not .without a coach. ” He is all for commercializing the sport. “Yachting has not grown roots here in India, ” he says, “whereas abroad it is a profitable sport. You can ’t always thrive on charity. (It) does not last forever. You can ’t go around with a begging bowl every time you want to compete in a race. (For the sport to become) self-supporting in our country, commercialization is a must. ” What about the community? Has it supported or recognized his achievements? “There is not much my community can do, ” he says, “as the cost factor involved is too big. As far as recognition goes, I have received quite a few awards and some ­ times even a couple of appreciative let- continued on page 44 was academically a front-runner. His sports never came in the way of his studies. He used to organize himself so well that on Sundays when he went for sea cadet train ­ ing he saw to it that he had completed his studies; and this old school practice of organizing things helps him today to inte- * * 1 iSCHOLARSHIP* cover story Status of Women: sacred and secular -1 Paradise denied to women Women and slaves were deemed fit only for the kingdom of shadows Dr Ketayun H. Gould re ­ own The image of a liberated Zoroastrian female on par with the male is only an illusion, an ideal that has yet to be realized. There is no denying that in certain spheres she has been granted will not be detailing the sources that the equal opportunities but she has had to suffer discrimination too. This article which will run into six instalments analyzes the relevant texts and tradi­ tions to study the status of women in the ancient, medieval and modern periods. manifests itself in two ways: glossing over the adverse effects of certain religious precepts on women; and coming repeatedly to the defence of these positions in the name of religious/cultural solidarity or sensitivity towards community members ’ reactions. My own orientation to writing this article was clear. To the extent that my task involved the study of relevant Zoroastrian texts (especially in the languages in which they were written) to appreciate the ligious tradition from within its framework, I was an outsider. However, to the extent that religion encompasses beliefs and practices of the living faith, the world ­ view that translates these beliefs and practices into everyday experiences, I was an insider. Having grown up as a member of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India, and having conducted research on Parsi households in both rural and urban areas, I could bear witness to the totality of the experience that stresses the cultural aspects of religion. My research helped me to go beyond expressing my own personal views on the status of women in the Zoroastrian community. Moreover, my •^dividual perspecti ve has never reflected an insider ’s uncritical voice. In Carol Gilligan ’s words, I always spoke, “In a Different Voice. ” Thus, Katherine Young ’s characterization of a “sympathetic but not submissive atti ­ tude towards the insider ’s view ” seems to fit my experiential preparation for under- ’ taking this study. In this respect, my femi ­ nist-cultural orientation might have helped in providing a critical balance to evaluate interpretations. In this article, I have surveyed the major periods in the history of Zoroastrianism from the perspective of the theology and write this article since I could test the the practice of female-mate relations within the context of the religious traditions as well as society. I have tried to demonstrate as Paul K. K. Tong says, “Society has enabled me to separate what the texts have shaped religion much more than religion decreed to be the appropriate status of has shaped society. As soon as a religion women, sacred and secular, from the doc- ’ trines and pronouncements of the living faith. Unfortunately, the limited amount of literature on i " seems to be influenced by the reverse overpowered it. ” This is a very complex history, which encompasses a period from about 1,500 BCE to the present. It also involves the 1 study of diverse cultural contexts. Zoroas ­ trianism was a major religion in ancient and medieval Iran. After the Arab con- trianism” is a researched, academic presentation. Since Parsiana will be carrying an abridged version of the text to make it simpler for the lay reader, we author painstakingly cites at each in­ stance. In the first instalment we learn that certain divinities perceived as female entities were venerated, that the soul of Q dead man was said to be met by a As it originally appears in Religion female figure on its upward journey. and Women fa publication of the State Yet within the stronghold of the aristo- University of New York Press, 1994) the cracy and priesthood in the pre­ paper entitled‘‘Outside the discipline, inside the experience: women in Zoroas- Zoroastrian era, paradise was denied to women. % T 'he subject of “Women in Zoroas ­ trianism ” presents complicated issues have provided de with a reality base to that are h^d to reconcile in terms of their hypothesis whether gender differentiation understanding the basic arguments of this daily practice. The research has ”als"o paper, the most significant fact is the following: there is no necessary correlation between the status of women in the religious tradition and their participation in the societal domain. In other words, en ­ lightened attitudes towards women in one of these arenas is not a precursor of auto ­ matic changes in traditional models of thinking in the other arena. This statement. contradictions. From the point of view of embodied in the written word is part of adapts to its social environ, its critical or countercultural impact is weakened. Grad ­ ually, it loses any ability it may have had to transform society and ultimately it women in Zoroastrianism becomes a mirror for the culture which has problem: a tendency to downplay the however, does not deny the beneficial significance of possible negative images value of studying this topic from both the of women in the texts and tradition by scriptural and societal perspectives. In fact, overemphasizing the relatively egalitarian Parsi Zoroastrian communities in my own in-depth demographic studies of ideal that might govern societal sex role --------- ---- — ..1 India behavior. Usually, this defensive posture 24 Parsiana October 1995 ¥quest Of Iran by 651 CE it became a mmonty religion, and many Zoroastrians migrated to India. Today the Parsi Zoroas ­ trians of India are considered the most TnHn a,-,', • “‘7 influential segment of this religious com- ^°~^Tyans origi nally formed munity. Zoroastrians continue to dwell in . ........... Iran although the exact number of adher ­ ents IS uncertain. Besides these two major centers, Zoroastrians have settled in Paki ­ stan, Britain, Canada, United States, Aus- tr^ia, Singapore and Hong Kong, among other places. Thus, to talk about women in Zoroastrianism, particularly as it relates to the modern period, is to make over ­ generalizations that cannot possibly apply to the total religious community. In addi- . ....................... patriarchal hierarchy mounting ion, my experiential base in the Parsi comnlcv nf u position of great power for itK 1 Zoroasuian community limits based on a kingship sZm thm s familiarity with the topic as it applies to linguistic evidenr^ nations. The the extreme male dominance tl womeninotherZoroastrianconceXtions nennit these ominance tl to available literary sources F'®teppes, data that might suggest possible connec- s?X"r“"e7S¦" “bw« M?t:s:g dte texts that stand for past traditions. " X Xd tarn millennium BCE. Before these two groups drifted apart, they forged a religious tradi- rion whose elements are preserved to this to day in thp ancient scriptures of the two Indo-European times is a mixture of “fact legend and myth (Cyrus R. Pangborn). ”’ In all probability, the Iranians and the I one in all probability, the Iranians countries — the Hindu Vedas and the Zo ­ roastrian Indo-Iranian heritage Needless to L suggest possible the gender role ideals that ------- connec- Ancient period The chain of evidence that can be used to trace the history of the Zoroastrians “Society has shaped religion much more than religion has shaped society” pie fragmentary evidence regarding tiic Indo-Iranian society in this nomadic stage pnintc in fko ____ .r- « • . . that concentrated I • • ¦ three classes — warriors, priests and herds- suggests that these fourfold millennium BCE c “ ; the Indo-Aryans, moved one group of these people, , T.._, _J across northeast the points in the direction of a kingship system that concentrated power in the hands of high kings. The division of society into three classes — warriors, priests and herds ­ men reflects an orientation that stressed wars and conquest, pastoralism, and the hope of salvation for those who had the J^eans to win the favor of the gods. The - ------J up to a position of great power for its head was *at supported through a . grouping; the family, settlement, tribe and country. Mary Boyce supports the traditional explanations for this social structure on the grounds that it was a necessary stage in the establishment of kingdoms since the “un ­ certain conditions of a wandering life ” and a societal pattern of “good leadership. ” r gery in the Mihr Yast (one of tl»*ddest of conquests required Boyce commentsron the kingship ima- «« tUrt 1LJ12K.. If . f the Avestan hymns) as mirroring the soci ­ etal patterns of the day. She als^ believes MATCH YOUR AMBITION TO A CAREER To do so we offer you: : ' - (PosBO OMC. Private Secretarial Course ? & Receptionist Techniques tieotrnnir Tolnv t C Typewriting!' Word Processing o Electronic Telex Operating t c Typew/riting & Word Processing tnglish Conversation & Writing Skills LATEST ADDITION: COMPUTERS Enquire at; Sir J. J. College of Commerce M, Nanabhoy Lane, Hutatma Chowk Bombay 400001 Tel: 2871058 Ii that the aristocratic and priestly traditions merit in the eyes of the gods could hope to of the times might have been responsible ascend to heaven by crossing safely over for denying ascent to paradise to die hum- blest members of the community, “with women and slaves, ” and con- dark shadows of the signing them to the kingdom underworld under the rule of of shadows beneath the earth. A woman’s the lord of the dead. If the Again, a feminist perspective lATAfi pleasures of paradise were suggests that the aristocratic «VKS visualized as being reserved and priestly frameworks are perceived as solely for the delight of men, the apparition of the welcoming maiden makes sense since woman ’s role was perceived as ministering to men ’ s needs. Another ver ­ sion of the feminine quality the “bridge of the separator. ” The unde ­ serving fell from this bridge to live in the A woman’s role was I- not sufficient to explain the consignment of all women, even those of noble class, to the subterranean kingdom of the dead. A conscious ap ­ plication of the feminist framework might provide the missing — the guiding hand — seems to be perspective to understand why women as a manifested in the depiction of Cista, the class of people were excluded from full goddess of the way, the one instructed in participation in the religious experience. The ancient Iranians did relate to femi ­ nine imagery on the divine level. The links with traditional feminine attributes are obvious. There is an old coupling between Father sky and Mother earth — the god common theme in patriarchal religions as Asman and the goddess Zam. The goddess well as society. is viewed positively with her name inter ­ preted as “bounteous beneficient earth ” or “bounteous devoted earth, ” referring very probably to the nurturing qualities attri ­ buted to a female deity as well as earth. Boyce also points out that the connection between devotion and earth is an old link, since peasantry, low in the social order, is offerings, to come to the aid of humans, expected to display submissiveness. Ano- The evil supernatural beings,panAzij (Yasht dierdivinity is the pagan goddess of fortune I.IO), could beguile men to their harm by —Asi—who is described as “great gifted ” taking on human form of extraordinary or “treasure laden. ” Her Yasht (scripture beauty. They were capable of harming devoted to the worship of divine beings) humans physically, by undermining their (verses 6-14) describes what she is able to bestow: “values of the good things of this world... frank pleasure in... earthly riches... in a world of which man is the center and evil has been mythically expressed in many wherein the woman, like the cattle, the religious beliefs (Wendy Doniger O’Fla- gold, and the silver, minister to man ’s herty). It often goes hand in hand with a enjoyment. ” Indeed, this is a perfect depic ­ tion of patriarchal heaven. A water deity, Ardavi Sura Anahita, is identified with the sogynyofpatriarchal societies that spawned life-giving power of rivers that nurtures crops and herds. The Avestan hymn dedi ­ cated to her (Yasht 5.2) reveals that she is worshipped as goddess of fertility, who purifies the seeds of all males, the wombs of all females, and makes the milk flow, which nourishes the young. It is also interesting that while mortal women were thought unworthy of attain ­ ing paradise, the soul of a dead man on its departure from earth at the end of the third day after death is seen as meeting a female figure on its upward journey — the maiden ofthe bridge. Those souls who had acquired areas of Gujarat. ministering to men’s needs Investment in Property: Pune is the best city 29 Parsiana October 1995 the paths to be followed. Apparently, she is a source of energy; “she inspires with the power to continue on the way (Boyce). ” The sustaining power of feminine energy as a source for others rather than self is a The Indo-Iranian views about the world also included beliefs in spirits, some kindly and some malevolent. Some of these spirits were conceived as female beings. The benevolent fravartis, the guiding spirits of the dead, are winged creatures who inhabit the air and could be persuaded, through moral character, or damaging the material world around them. The recognition of feminine power as a symbol for good or deep ambivalence regarding women — a natural consequence of the general mi- these religious traditions. To be continued. Dr (Ms) Ketayun H. Gould, is professor emerita in the School of Social Work, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in the United States. She is a partner, along with her husband, in Independent Scholars Associated in Stafford, Virginia. She opted for early retirement to pursue her research and scholarship. Her writings have dealt with two main areas: feminist theory, models and practice frameworks in the area of women and ethnic minority concerns, and historical and demogra­ phic studies of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in India. Currently she is authoring a book on the historical and demographic decline of the Parsi Zoroastrian community in the rural and urban We accept bookings in exclusive schemes in Pune, like a Bungalow­ scheme near the Pashan Lake, 6 km from Pune University. 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For details write to: Minoo Bhathena BySel Estate 302 Devika Apt 2010 Janmohmed Str Pune 411001 Tel: 650757 IHISTORY RUSTAM MANECK: THE BENEVOLENT BROKER — 3 ^*The best mastev cfbusiness” Dr Homi Eduljee Reputed for his secrecy and the expedition with which he executed his duties, Rustam Maneck’s negotiating abilities were unmatched ll'e Portuguese md the Eng- siludes in the lives ofEustam Manect and voyages to India...u'nder a later dispensa- c . ^‘‘^‘’’“"'‘^yoefoetor oflheParsisof ‘ sons Parsiana has been permitted by tion they were granted a charter on Sep- Surat, Rustam Maneck holds a prominent e, KRCOI trustees to reprint an edited tember 15, 1698 as the English East India Phistory of the Parsis of and abridged version of the text from Company. The old company, the London India. A diplomat and an influential man, ------ < -> > . - - - - - many were the occasions when he was called upon to negotiate peace between canon, me Zvoroastrian Calendar: an warring factions. Even during his lifetime Overview " by Keki Shroff. Priced at Rs 50 Rustam Maneck was celebrated in a Per- the Journal is available at the KRCOI, 136 Sian poem Kisseh-i Rustam Maneck. His Bombay Samachar Marg, Bombay 400023. sons founded the Seth family in Bombay We are serializing this feature over five and played a leading part in community instalments. The first episode related some affairs in that city. .. .. The fame of the family was kept alive by neck’s background and his efforts to assist several books on Rustam Maneck and the ¦ • - J J” Aurangzeb imposed the poll tax to be my broker and act in alf things with Modi s study in I928;andS. K. Hodivala 's on all non-Muslims. The favored position the Gous... (Gujarati) conformable to our oo in 1931. Subsequently substantial Rustam Maneck enjoyed as agent, broker necessity and gave him with my chitte reference has come to light on the family'- ---- ¦ ................. commercial activities. We now have the English translation of Pissurlencar’s Portuguese Records on Rustam Manock sionally anxiety too when he, as intermedi- (1936); H. R. Das’s accounts of the Norris embassy(1930,1959);M. S. Commissariat’s study (1953) of Nowroji Rustam’s visit to _____ __ ____ England; and A. Das Gupta’s Indian Mer- India Company Rustam Maneck was called chants and the Decline of Surat (7979). A i ' ’ careful study of all these and many other English ambassador and Emperor Aurang- sources has resulted in the compilation of zeb, a job that required great tact, diplo­ an article by Dr Homi Eduljee on “Rustam macy and patience. But greater manipula- Maneck and His Sons: Brokers of Surat’’ tion was required of Rustam Maneck later carried in the Journal of the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute (KRCOI), No 60. To acquaint our readers with the vicis- situdes in the lives of Rustam Maneck and sons Parsiana has been permitted by _____________ KRCOI trustees to reprint an edited tember 15, 1698°as the English East Inda their Journal. Along with this piece there is another dissertation in the same publi­ cation, “The Zoroastrian Calendar: East India Company, was told that it could carry on its trade only upto September 1701. These InterlopBrs must have employed Indian brokers. One of the Interlopers was John Vaux who had been D^uty Gover ­ nor of Bombay and had from service of the Company for ‘int- personal details concerning Rustam Ma- erloping. ’ In his diary Vaux notes: “Surat - -V • April the 13th 1698. This day have taken the hapless victims when Shivaji raided Rustam Parcy (Parsi) the Portuguese broker the Journal w available at the KRCOI, 136 IVe are serializing this feature over five 1900; J. J. Surat and Aurangzeb imposed the poll tax non-Muslims. The favored oosition on all non-Muslims. The favored position s and administrator of the Portuguese was recounted in the second instalment. Sea trade brought him prosperity and occa- D^uty Gover- beOT dismissed * (chithee = letter) to the Governor (of Surat) under my chop (chaap = seal) to let him and all know I have entertained him in my service. ” We learn from the Portuguese records that between July and December 1699 ary, was expected to secure the release of a captured ship. As official broker of the English East Rustam had been in Ahraedabad. The Vice- ----------- f roy writes to him on February 6, 1700: “I upon to arrange a meeting between their received several of your letters in which you inform me of the business that took you to Ahmedabad... You ought to have informed me before of your reason for going; since however, we are on such ------------ o —, I am not ambassador who had offended the Mughals sorry that your presence should have con ­ tributed to the composing of the differ ­ ences which they had amongst them as also those among the Banias, nor that you should have also enlisted the good offices when he had to secure the release of the friendly terms with the English, I by refusing to accede to their demands. W e have two pieces of evidence that trade. This was resented by many mer- Rustam had dealings with the Eng- chants who wished to profit by the trade of the Nawab to that purpose/ ’ lish before 1700. but who were not members of the Company. — - The Charter which Queen Elizabeth I These merchants, the so-called Interlop- __ _ ________ ovuuh , ‘ j A ers, petitioned for special licence from the also shows that there was some dispute This letter, apart from suggesting Rus ­ tam ’s good standing at the Nawab ’s court. had granted to the London East India Com- < ____ __ _ pany gave them a monopoly of the Indian monarch to make their own individual amongst the English themselves. We do 30 Parsiana October 1995 Inot know what the dispute was about; it might have been between the Interlopers in Surat and the old Company, or it might have been between the officers of the rival companies. The fact that Rustam was sent to Ahmedabad to sort out the matter shows that he also enjoyed good standing with the English in Surat. Rustam ’s earlier dealings with Vaux and his friends now worked to his advan ­ tage, for when Sir Nicholas Waite arrived in Surat in December 1699 or early Janu ­ ary 1700, he appointed Rustam Maneck as the official broker. The Kisseh tells us that an immediate rapport was struck up between Rustam and the English and he was very helpful to them. One way in which he helped them was to find for them a palatial building which belonged to Haji Hajaz Beg and arranged for the Company to rent it for Rs 3,000 a year. Rustam Maneck was helpful to the new Company in another way. Waite had been chief of the old London East India Com ­ pany at their factory in Bantam (Java) and had been dismissed from their service. When he arrived in Bombay as head of the new Company with the title of “His Ma ­ jesty ’s Consul and Minister, ” he had a frosty reception from Sir John Gayer, the Governor of Bombay of the old Company. Waite, in turn, tried to poison the mind of the Surat Governor (Diyanat Khan) by writing to him that the servants of the old Company were “thieves and confederates of pirates ” and he used Rustam to hint to the Surat Governor that the old Company ’ s officials were dangerous men and should not be at liberty. When Gayer reached Swally (modem Sumari, at the mouth of the river Tapti on which Surat stands) he was arrested by the Governor and he and Lady Gayer were imprisoned in the old Company ’s building. Gayer evidently came to know of Rustam ’s part in his incarcera ­ tion for, in a letter to Waite, he sarcasti ­ cally referred to “the honest broker Rustam ” who, he alleged, had bribed the guards. The manner of Rustam Maneck ’s ap ­ pointment as broker is interesting. It was the custom at that time that the successful candidate should make a present to the officer who appointed him. Rustam, on his appointment, presented Waite with Rs 20,000. The President and his council ac ­ cepted the sum and reported to the court of directors in London that the money would be applied “towards defraying the charge of building lodgings for your servants, with warehouse and other conveniences... ” Rustam ’s appointment seems to have caused a lot of heart-burning amongst the other unsuccessful candidates. Waite, in a letter to the court of directors dated No ­ vember 30, 1700 writes: “The old Company ’ s servants used many artifices for turning out of our present broker, being the first of the Parsee caste that hath at any time been in such public employment, which being in prejudice to all the Baman (Brahman) caste, the old and chief managers of all business here, hath occasioned a storm of envy from the last, and all those that may propose an advan ­ tage for their introduction when in our consciences believe it is your interest for us to support him, when your honor may be assured that we shall certainly have advice of the least ill act he can contrive in your prejudice, and ’tis notorious to all the city that he is the best master of business with the Government which could never have been carried with that secrecy and expedi ­ tion had a Baman been our broker, which caste being so exasperated, have by Vittul Parrack (Vithaldas Parekh) the old Com ­ pany ’s late broker^ offered Sir Nicholas Waite one hundred thousand rupees to be broker. ” Soon after h< arrived in Surat Waite sent letters to all the principal merchants assuring them that he would honor all agreements made by the arftfoassador bet- coHmcTii.ni.M i' * ?I I I I «• ye (= the) behavior of our Indian retinue, over which I have all along given Rustam the authority, but really, he has not the courage to execute, but suffers ye least of Company ’schiefbroker Rustam who knew them to dispute his commands, and after he has given them am often obliged to force ye Eddies (= mace-bearers) to see keep quiet about the matter. Another problem that had to be sorted out was the appointment of a Persian inter ­ ween the English and the merchants. He also wrote to Mir Ali Naqi, son of Diyanat Khan, Governor of Surat, and to other local Moghul officials introducing Rustam preter. The best person available was the Maneck to them as the new Company ’s chief broker, and asking them to place Portuguese but did not understand English; complete confidence in him. Waite now solicited a parwana from the Governor, and sent Rustam to the durbar with a draft, instructing him to insist that the draft be accepted in toto; he was also instructed to use all means, including bribery of Mir Ali Naqi and other officials. The negotiations Mill had a moderate command of Persian. It was decided that the most important them executed, suffering no Englishmen business would be carried out by Mill whatsoever to intermeddle or be concerned while Rustam would act as a ‘go-between ’ till a more competent interpreter was found. Rustam was loath to go, fearing that his business would suffer in his absence. He proved difficult but eventually Rustam refused to accept any gratuity from Norris; managed to get most of Waite ’s terms "" accepted, and the parwana was granted in February 1700. In September 1698, the court of the new English East India Company decided to ask the King, William III, to send an ambassador to the Moghul Court to win with them. ” Norris reached the suburb of Auran- abad on February 18. Here another mutiny broke out amongst his Indian peons, but this was quickly suppressed. The next day there was more trouble; the peons and carters refused to march any further, but Norris was firm; he called his retinue and soldiers to arms and ordered Rustam to recall the men to their duties and punish some mark of honor immediately andNorris the ring leader and the recalcitrant. This presented him with a handsomely accou- trade concessions for the company. They tred horse and a “rich vest and turbatt. ” recommended Sir William Norris for the post of ambassador. The Company ’s re ­ quest was granted and on January 1, 1699 Sir William received his commission and was instructed to depart for India as soon as instead, he hoped that the Company would confer on him a medal, chain and some rare object of value in recognition of his services. The Company decided to show Rustam show of firmness overawed the men and they promised to resume the journey . Norris hoped that Rustam would take courage from the firm support he had received and might “lose a little of his natural cow ­ ardice. ” The subsequent stages of the journey to possible. His entourage included his brother knelt down and kissed Norris ’s shoes and Brahmapuri pa^ed off smoothly although Edward Norris, who acted as secretary, again made three salaams. He then rode there were occasional alarms that bands of and Adiel Mill who acted as accountant. home mounted on the horse and wearing Marathas were about to attack the convoy. Norris landed in Masulipatan, on the east coast of India, on September 25,1699. From the outset his task was made difficult acquaintances . by the men of the old London East India Das gives a vivid description of the cere ­ mony: on receiving these presents Rustam made three salaams on the ground and at once put on the vest. Norris then placed a shawl round his shoulders and Rustam ” I On January 3, 1701, at a council held at Company who refused to acknowledge Norris ’s camp Rustam was appointed in- him as ambassador of the English nation, on the ground that they had not received instructions to do so from the old Com ­ pany. Eventually, after sorting out the complications of protocol, etc Norris set out from Masulipatan and reached Surat in early December 1700. Waite instructed zeb ’s court. Rustam to make all the preliminary ar ­ rangements for the ambassador ’s landing; this greatly alarmed the men of the old operations against the Maratha forts while Company who feared that if Waite and I _ Norris followed the advice of Rustam then field. When Norris started from Surat in it would “cause new troubles in some kind or other. ” Arrangements now had to be made for again made three salaams. He then rode home mounted on the horse and wearing the robe of honor, receiving congratula- Brahmapuri was reached o^ March 6 and tions from all the Parsis and his friends and here Norris learnt that Aurangzeb had shifted his court to Panhala (near Miraj, between Kolhapur and Bijapur), which fort he was then beseiging . The Vazir Asad terpreter, was entrusted with a large sum of Khan was also camped at Brahmapuri, in money to meet the expenses of the em ­ bassy and specially commissioned to su ­ perintend the Indian members of the reti ­ nue. At last, on January 27, 1701 the embassy started on its journey to Aurang- charge of the Emperor ’s family, baggage, etc, while Aurangzeb was moving about the country attacking the Maratha forts. He welcomed Norris and informed him that he had prepared for him a good camp ­ site, but Norris refused the offer and camped At this time Aurangzeb was fighting the a little beyond Asad Khan, nearer to Marathas in the Deccan; he was directing Brahmapuri. ' ; Norris faced another problem at Brah- his generals were fighting the enemy in the mapuri. The old Company had sent its ¦ I agents in advance and, with the help of January 1701, Aurangzeb ’s camp was at bribes, persuaded many of the Moghul Norris ’s mission. One trick they used was to send a shroff to Brahmapuri to inform antandNorris ’sentouragewasnottroubled the moneylenders that they should not by the Maratha troops or the dacoits who were reported to infest the countryside. On at a price he would do so. Norris and aboutFebruary 14 they reached “Boncalee ” Waite, hoping to thus win the Governor ’s and here the Indian peons mutinied, friendship and goodwill to the benefit of Rustam, who was in charge of the Indians, the new Company, decided to pay the bribe in gold mohors; 2,000 to the Gover ­ nor, 1,000 to his son and 200 to his eunuch. The business was skillfully carried out by brother ’s letter for account of all trans ­ Rustam, and Diyanat Khan promised to i—1— 1- — ---- Brahmapuri, and it was for this place that officials to do everything possible to thwart Norris set out. The journey was unevent- ....................... '' the landing of Norris and his reception by ful, the country and the climate were pleas- the Governor of Surat. Diyanat Khan, the Governor, refused to meet Norris outside the city and escort him in, but hinted that seems to have shown cowardice in dealing with the mutineers, for Norris wrote to Waite on February 19; “I refer you to my actions in our march and in relation to honor bills drawn on the new Company because it was comparatively poor and its ships had not yet arrived. Rustam met the shroffs of Brahmapuri and tried to get them to accept the Company ’s bills, but he was rebuffed. Besides, Rustam himself had drawn heavily on his credit at Surat before Norris ’s arrival and hence he was not able to offer any help to the embassy. Norris wrote about his difficulties to Waite. 33 Parsiana October 1995i 15' I Waite said they would do everything correct, for Rustam, who was described by zeb and seized Rustam as a hostage. - — ¦ ......................... ¦ To forestall false reports Norris sought the aid of Yar Ali Beg, one of the most influential nobles in the court and one who was favorably disposed towards the new The journey from Brahmapuri to Company. Yar Ali Beg explained the true Panhala was uneventful and Norris arrived situation to the Emperor and exerted pres ­ and took up his quarters in the Emperor ’s lashkar (military camp) on April 10 in possible to send some money to Norris and Waite as subtle and ingenious, must have hinted that it might be possible to cash realized that to march out ostentatiously in Rustam ’s bills in Surat to the extent of Rs 1,(X),(X)O. Norris stayed three weeks in Brahmapuri and it was a fruitless stay. Norris, who lacked the tact and patience necessary in a diplomat, was not able to work out a satis ­ factory agreement for his visit to Asad great state. Khan, and the machinations of the old ~ , Company ’s agents added to his problems, not inactive. They roused Norris ’s peons front of the Vazir ’s camp would only ag ­ gravate matters. sure on the kotwal to release Rustam. The next few days were spent by Norris in cultivating the high officials at the court and Rustam took part in all these activities ___ _____ _ as well as in the discussions to arrange the He had been informed by Moghul officials to mutiny, and on April 20, Easter Sunday, protocolforNorris ’saudience with Aurang- . coming from Panhala that Aurangzeb the peons,intoxicated with bhang, made a wanted him to reach his court as soon as ‘ possible. Norris therefore informed Asad Khan that he could no longer st^^y in Brahmapuri and must leave at once for Panhala without meeting him. The em ­ bassy struck camp on March 27 to start on the last leg of its journey to Panhala. Norris The agents of the old Company were daring attack on the camp with fire-arms and swords and seriously wounded two or three of Norris ’s people. Hearing the tur ­ moil, Norris and his brother ran out of the tent to see what had happened. One of the mutineers, “a strong lusty Moore man, ” armed with a sword and shield, came near intended to march out in the most orderly Norris ’s tent and wounded one of his gun ­ manner in sight of Asad Khan ’s camp, but owing to Rustam ’s misdirection they took a wrong route and the retinue was thrown into confusion. Norris was angry and sus ­ pected this was done intentionally, for no one could tell him why it happened, and Rustam would “neither scruple lyeinge or swearinge. ” Perhaps Norris ’ s suspicion was zeb. The audience was fixed for April 28. Norris and his party went to the court in a grand procession. Rustam was with Norris when the latter was received by the Em ­ peror in the Diwan-i-Khas. After the ex ­ change of curtsies and presents, Norris return to his camp in state, wearing the robe of honor that the Emperor had given him. Later that day, crowds of minor offi ­ cials of the court came to Norris ’s camp and pestered him for ‘gratuities. ’ Rustam, who had been given the task of dealing (prefect of police) and complained that with them, had a hard time satisfying their Norris ’s men had killed some “true believ ­ ers ” and had indulged in a drunken orgy. The kotwal reported the matter to Aurang- ners. He then made his way to Rustam ’s tent but was wounded by a gun-shot and arrested. The peons, instigated by the old Company ’s agents, now went to the kotwal demands. The discussions between Norris and the Moghul ministers now started oh the terms ______________________ i------------------ * With Best Wishes from Mr Rusy M. Shroff, M.B.E. 34 Parsiana October 1995 and Mrs Purviz R. Shroff <•I i I _________________ ____ ' ' ¦ ¦ ¦ ‘ _ ¦ whether the firmans should be given nov«^ from the Emperor. Most of die trading and zeb ’s camp. The agent of the old Company so that Norris could leave in two or four commercial concessions that the Com- continued to intrigue to thwart Norris ’s days, or whether they should be given pany desired were disposed of without plans, and in this he was greatly helped by within 40 days at Surat. It was also decided much difficulty, but there was one matter Norris ’s own behavior. At Burhanpore the that if the firmans did not contain any which could not be resolved. In late 17th century, piracy was rife in the Indian Ocean to induce Norris to return to the camp for and many of the pirates belonged to the European nations. Aurangzeb decided to make the European Companies in Surat — the English, Dutch and French — respon ­ sible for putting down piracy in the Indian Ocean. Samuel Annesley, the president of the English factory at Surat, agreed to these terms in January 1696. Piracy, however, continued unabated. The new Company was in no position to undertake protection or to pay compensa ­ tion to the owners of ships captured by the pirates, and instructed Norris that he must not agree to these terms on any account. Aurangzeb was equally insistent that the ---- Company must stand by the agreements for England. King of England but not the firmans made by Annesley and Gayer. The impasse In the second letter, dated November and he left Burhanpore on about February was complete. Negotiations dragged on 25, 1701, Rustam told the council of the 12, 1702. It was arranged that Rustam for six months, Aurangzeb refusing to give civilities exchanged between Nawab Gha- should remain in Burhanpore to receive the firmans unless the Company agreed to ziu ’d-din Khan and Norris. In return for the firmans, but the council at Surat di ­ put down piracy. the Nawab ’s gifts, Norris sent him various reeled him not to pay any of the sums In all these negotiations RustamManeck presents through Rustam and three other promised till hc^ad obtained them, played a most important part and in tact was often the sole intermediary between Norris and the court officials; besides he peror would be annoyed if Sir William left thoroughly understood the intricacies of for Surat before all the business was com- the court procedure for — to put it politely pleted, and invited him to visit the Nawab. — oiling the wheels of diplomacy. After six months of fruitless negotia ­ tions Norris ’s patience came to an end, and he announced that he was not prepared to wait any longer and would leave without the firmans. He was warned that this would reply: “Though you assemble all the umaras be a serious breach of protocol and he could not leave without the Emperor ’s permission; besides, the Emperor wished offirmans that the new Company requested happened at the negotiations in Aurang- Norris ’s own behavior. At Burhanpore the Emperor ’s messenger made a great effort promises regarding security against pi- " ¦ rates, then the Company must pay one lakh a reconsideration of the privileges to be rupees to the Emperor and to the Nawab. obtained by the new Company, but Norris Rustam was asked to write a letter guaran- absolutely refused to do so. Rustam also teeing that these promises would be carried informed Waite that the Emperor had com- out. The negotiations dragged on intermi ­ nably and Rustam, in his third letter to Framjee dated December 1, 1701 showed his disgust at the way matters were pro ­ gressing. The agents of the old Company continued placing impediments and trying to persuade the Nawab not to agree to any terms. He sought the advice of Waite as to the best course to pursue under the cir ­ cumstances. Finally, Norris received from detain the ambassador ifhe tried to embark the Nawab a letter and presents for the The Nawab put Rustam in prison and threatened to cut off his head manded the Moghul Governor of Surat to In the second letter, dated November 25, 1701, Rustam told the council of the civilities exchanged between Nawab Gha- ziu ’d-din Khan and Norris. In return for the Nawab ’s gifts, Norris sent him various However, the expenses incurred by Rustam ’s' stay in the camp became so heavy that the council ordered him not to pay any money for the firmans but to return to Surat as soon as possible. Rustam claimed that much of the heavy expense was in ­ curred to get Norris released, but Waite felt that this was merely an excuse to from the Emperor to detain him by force if prolong his stay at the camp and get more persons. The Nawab took this opportunity to send a message to Norris that the Em- (nobles) of Hindustan to guard me more closely, yet I will not stay. ” The letter goes on to say that Norris ’s to send a letter and gifts to ’ the King of obstinacy greatly annoyed the Nawab who England, and Norris must wait for them. Norris, however, was adamant and on Nov ­ ember 5, 1701 he left Aurangzeb ’s camp. Aurangzeb dispatched some troops un- Norris, however, persisted in his refusal and Ghaziu ’d-din Khan gave him an em ­ phatic warning that he had received orders 1____ , ....... necessary. Norris gave a characteristic rude money out ofthe Company, and he insisted on seeing the accounts. Rustam was finally permitted to return on February 26, 1702. Norris reached Surat on March 12 and sailed for England on April 5, but never saw his home as he died on the voyage. The Kisseh tells us that on his way back to Surat, Rustam went to Dandeh Rajpuri, a small town on the coast 40 miles south of Bombay, where the English had some trad ­ ing interests. From there he went to Daman, the Portuguese possession in Gujarat, and was also complained that his messengers had been treated with indignity. Rustam was asked why Norris appeared to be so alarmed at the prospect of visiting him, and the derhis general Ghaziu ’d-din Khan Bahadur Nawab put Rustam in prison pending the Firuz Jang to stop Norris, and the ambassa- safe return of the messengers, and threat- _ . dor was intercepted and detained at Bur- ened to cut off his head if any harm befell was handsomely received there, which hanpore, not far from Panhala. There are, them. Poor Rustam suffered greatly during was natural as he was broker to the Portu- in the India Office Library in London, the few hours he was in the prison. Norris guese. From Daman Rustam went to three letters from Rustam, written from now made one more attempt to leave and Navsari where he prayed at the Atash Burhanpore, to his eldest son Framjee, the actually rode away, but the Nawab sent a Behram and offered thanks for his safe contents of which were to be passed on to larse force after him and forced him to return. To be continued safe return of the messengers, and threat ­ ened to cut off his head if any harm befell the few hours he was in the prison. Norris now made one more attempt to leave and actually rode away, but the Nawab sent a large force after him and forced him to Waite and the council at Surat. The letters return to the camp. Norris, through Rustam, were written in Gujarati and were trans ­ lated into Portuguese before being sent to the council. Norris ’s behavior. Rustam and Mill tnen a chemical engineer by profession he is also well The first letter, dated November 12, „ „ **¦' *¦’ *" " ___ 1701 gives an eye-witness account of what brother on the terms of the firmans, and religion. protested at his detention, but the Nawab pointed out that this was entirely due to Norris ’s behavior. Rustam and Mill then had long negotiations with the Nawab ’s Dr Homi Eduljee was associated with the K. R. Cama Oriental Institute both as a joint honorary secretary and as a trustee for a number of years. A chemical engineer by profession he is also well read on Indo-Iranian topics and the Zoroastrian 35 Parsiana October 1995I BUSINESS Sprayed with success Homi J. Rogers Polly Patel’s eye for opportunity focused his innovativeness on the aerosol industry A gas-packing Parsi? Yes! But the man behind the Pune-based Spray Products (India) Pvt Ltd (SPI) is anything but a gasbag himself. A pioneer in the business of aerosol products in India, Polly Patel was awarded the International Economic Industries had him posted at the Forum ’s Rashtriya Udyog Award in De ­ cember 1994 for his outstanding contribu ­ tions to a nascent industry. The Award was an acknowledgement of Patel ’s achieve ­ ment in not only ushering aerosol sprays into the country, but for caring enough to manufacture the product without hurting the ecological balance. The accomplishment sits lightly on Patel ’s middle-aged shoulders. If he agrees to be interviewed by Parsiana (“it ’s my first attempt at speaking about myself to a jour- nalist, ” he says nervously), it ’s only because he hopes his bioske- tch will send out the message that “you don ’t have to be born with a golden spoon to (excel) in life. ” Nor, as he adds, “should one ever the desire to progress or stop taking initiatives. ” Patel, now in his 50s, was born and brought up in Bombay ’s Nowroz Baug, situated in the middle-class locality of Lalbaug. His father, Bhikaji, worked in the neighboring Tata Mills at Parel and, “ghasarboro karine (working hard to make India Ltd, a small boiler concern set up by encouragement of my family ” which now both ends meet), ” brought up a brood of thelateentrepreneurAdiBhathenainPune. comprised of wife Yasmin and daughters five children. “Being the youngest helped, ” “One must view one ’s career in a broad Hooffish and Behafrid. “The Nairobi years recalls a grateful Polly, acknowledging the perspective, ” advises Patel, who felt that helped my children too, ” reflects Patel, “as eternal debt he owes -his three older broth- the chance to work closely with top man- it gave them a cosmopolitan exposure. ” ers who sacrificed much so that he could agement in a small company would ad- From Lalbaug to Kenya is a long haul, learn and prosper. , vance his fortunes faster. It was a bold — But, as Patel rationalizes, “You work to But more than Patel s education, it was even pathbreaking — move, taking him gain experience; it doesn ’t come your way the values he imbibed during his simple ------- . ... — * but loving upbringing that him in good stead and propel him to success. For one, unlike many a chartered accoun ­ tant, Patel did not shun factory jobs. ________ ______ ______ His first appointment with Tata Fison Bombay and seek opportunities — T--* ... ' ¦ ; ( • • _____ 2____ _ ny^s plam m Mulund, then a far-flung where, ” rues Patel, outlining one of the up in a similar ambience, did not shun working with blue-collar wage earners. were to stand Bombay, as perceived by most community members. But it was a decision Patel was never to regret. “Unfortunately, even to ­ day, our community does not wish to leave - even compa- when they present themselves — else- - * ' —--------- D i uvvi, wuvillllllg WIIV VI UlC i suburb of Bombay. But Patel, brought possible causes for the stagnancy and de- ! cline of Zoroasirians in India. Patel ’s move to strike out paid divi ­ dends. “Call it prudence, or a matter of luck, ” h^says humbly, ! “but in the next decade, as the company grew by leaps and bounds, I too progressed with it. ” This also gave Patel the chance to work in close association with Bhathena, and his son-in-law, Ro ­ hinton Aga, “to whom I owe my experience in business and entre ­ preneurship. ” Till 1983, Patel work ­ ed closely with Aga, “learning from him, ” and contributing to the set ­ ting up of Thermax, a company Aga started, when Wanson moved out. _ In 1983 Batel moved out, eager ijfl to absorb different experiences and learn a more global approach to his work. An opening in Nairobi as general "5” ' ¦¦ * s * I I »<¦ 1 Patel (right) receiving award for out­ standing contribution to nascent industry manager of a large conglomerate of companies with interests in banking. Nor did he miss the opportunity, a year housing, refineries, hotels and restaurants, 1 was seized with both hands, “with the later, to leave Bombay and join Wanson both ends meejt), ” brought up a brood of thelateentrepreneurAdiBhathenainPune. i _ _ - - * ’ “One must view one ’s career in a broad Hooffish and Behafrid. “The Nairobfyears the chance to work closely with top man ­ agement in a small company would ad ­ vance his fortunes faster. It was a bold — even pathbreaking — move, taking him away from the twin securities of Tatas and automatically. ” The Nairobi experience 36 Parsiana October 1995 s ! -1.s ¦ w ¦ . t ¦ ¦ ?! ................... i > Aerosol plant (left) and machinery (below) at Bhosari near Poona Patel: “ You work to gain experience; it doesn ’t come your way automatically” ! * I Is A T gave Patel the chance to turn entrepreneur. Approached by a Gujarati gentleman from his new circle of friends to set up a business in India, Patel agreed to go back and delve into the nascent market of spray products, a business yet unexplored in India but which, according to Patel, holds great po ­ tential, considering its success all over Europe. “Even a country like Kenya, which is smaller than Maharashtra, has a higher consumption of aerosol products today than the whole of India. ” Back at Pune, Patel made the transition from accountancy to aerosol manufactur ­ ing with considerable ease. Single-hande- ____ _____, ____ ______ dly he set up SPI buying land, importing industry was forced to do so. “I am person ­ machinery, foreign capital and technol- ally satisfied that products made in my ogy, developing the products. Today Patel factory do not add to world problems, produces at his 6,500 sq ft built-up area ’ unit at Bhosari, some 40 km on the out ­ skirts of Pune, 20 lakh aerosol cans per annum. His clients include the manufac ­ turers of the popular pesticide HIT, and a general purpose lubricant marketed by — a form of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) laments, adding that our boys are Iosins Larsen and Toubro as Wonder-X. -------- - - > • • • ¦ . . & Patel is currently experimenting sprays for industrial use, having intro- safety devices to prevent explosions and ability to move with the times would spell duced during the last two years an anti- *’----- - --------- spatter spray for welding, and a three- bottle set called ‘crack detection kit ’ to check on the welding. Patel, who works closely with his customers to develop new products, soon hopes to launch two new consumer items: a hair spray and a starch spray for ironing. Patel is innovative in other areas too. With the encouragement of his enlight ­ ened NRI partners, who “are with me through thick and thin, ” two years ago we must also learn to take up one Patel switched over to the application of mudda (topic) rather than discuss a whole (CFC) used earlier by aerosol manufactur ­ ers. As per the Montreal protocol SPI decided to substitute CFC with the new ozone-friendly process, much before the on of Parsi Zoroastrian Anjumans of India meets and youth congresses (one of which was attended by his daughter), where noth ­ ing conclusive is achieved. Drawing an example from his business where he con ­ centrates only on product formulation and packaging, leaving the marketing to other more experienced players, Patel reasons that one must focus on one objective and crack it to succeed. “Most importantly, as a community we have lost the art of sensing where the opportunity lies, ” Patel — called for an additional expense of Rs their edge, having nq^objective in life. 25 lakhs, including five lakh rupees for While willingness to change, and adapt- the setting up of a LPG yard — all of which better days for the community, there ’s one SPI undertook voluntarily at Patel ’s ini- ‘ - - tiative. Patel seeks similarly a better ___________ environment for^the community, but is proclaims. “It ’s not important whether you have kept away from the punchayet, as I Instead, they make for a healthy environ ­ ment for our children. ” Interestingly, Patel ’s younger daughter Behafrid is doing her BSc in environmental sciences. ‘ The change from CFC to hydrocarbon 25 lakhs, including five lakh rupees for sphere where Patel would brook no change. “I am a staunch Zoroastrian, period, ” he disappointed with the state of affairs. “I understand religion or not; it ’s something have kept away from the punchayet, as I you have to follow blindly, even dogmati- don ’t want to become a partyman, ” he cally. ” Patel knows his prayers, though not states, reasoning that the best way to usher ' . . in change would be to have a group of like ­ minded individuals working together for recitation. the common cause. “We must also learn to take up their meaning, but finds that they never ­ theless give him peace of mind by their Maybe, the key to the community ’s success tomorrow is mirrored in Patel ’s products: the traditional product mix is . - - . — there in the can, but it must be well shaken damaging chlorofluorocarbons feels, obliquely referring to the Federation and its contents ejected with effervescence ! hydrocarbon propellants instead of the gamut of things and reach nowhere, ” he ozone 39 Parsiana October 1995 4^ * IMILESTONES The age of Zoroastrian brides — as listed in this issue — ranged between 25 and 36 years, the arithmetic mean (the total number of individual ages divided by the total number of brides) being 28 years. The corresponding figures for the grooms were 26 and 45 years, averaging at 33 years. There were 26 births in October in Bombay as compared to 75 Zoroastrian deaths. From among the 14 patients that fell prey to heart disease, four were 80 years and above. Pneumonia and lung related diseases took a toll of 12 lives, while nine deaths were attributed to cancer. Old age and general debility were the causes of seven deaths and tu­ berculosis for five. Four victims each succumbed to hypertension and malaria and two each to nervous disorder, haemorrhage, brain diseases and septicemia. Hypertrophy (increase in the size of tissues), gastro-enteritis, Par­ kinson’s disease, haematemesis (vomiting of blood), bronchitis, liver disease, accident, dysentry, asthma, systemic lupus erythema­ tosus (a skin disease leading to the poisoning of the entire body), diabetes and kidney failure were the isolated cases registered in October. The oldest age at death was 101 years as compared to the youngest: 46 years. The Zoroas­ trian life expectancy at birth, in BOMBAY BORN A girl to Nilufer and Gev Bulsara on October 2, 1995 A boy to Pari and Nevil Jokhi', October 3 A girl to Mehemaz and Rayomand Tavadia', October 3 A girl to Shemaz and Mehemosh Turel', October 3 A girl to Pervin and Neville Nallaseth', October 7 A girl to Elsie and Hossi Nanji', October 10 A boy to Pervin and Hosidar Daji', October 11 A girl to Lyla and Homi Dhunjibhoy', October 11 A boy to Percis and Adil Ghiara', October 11 A girl, Vahishta, to Katayun and Mahiyar Dastoor, October 13 A girl to Veerui and Aspy October in Bombay, was 76 years. The data on births, marriages and deaths has been compiled from information supplied by various newsletters and anjumans in India and abroad, courts and hospitals. We are unable to carry data from areas where the anju­ mans do not furnish the particu­ lars. This information is not always complete or consistent. For example, the birth figures for Bombay are supplied by four hospitals; births in suburban ho­ spitals and private nursing homes are not included unless individuals send us information together with a copy of the birth certificate. There may be an inadvertent repetition of names in the marriage list when a civil marriage precedes a religious ceremony. In the breakup of deaths according to illnesses, especially of the elderly, death is often due to a combination of several diseases. If readers have any births/ marriages/deaths they would like published, some proof to ensure the veracity of the report would be required. Weare sureourreaders would appreciate this requirement and cooperate with us. Column ‘B’ in the statistics box on page 43 incorporates the data published in Parsiana, September 1995, when the box had to be withheld due to pressure on space. Engineer, October 14 A boy to Rukshana and Percy Billimoria', October 17 A boy to Meher and Firoz Bardi', October 18 A boy to Sherali and Kurush Contractor, October 18 A girl to Nancy and Parvez Daruwalla', October 18 A girl, Tanya, to Prithy and Zubin Gandevia', October 19 A girl to Shemaz and Homyar Master, October 19 A boy to Maharukh and Tehmasp Rustomjee', October 20 A boy to Jasmine and Hormuzd Masani', October 21 A boy to Nina and Sharookh Mehta', October 21 A girl to Pervin and Jimmy Kasad', October 22 A girl to Dinavan and Adi Mehta', October 23 A girl to Huzaan and Naozer Dalal', October 26 A girl to Meher and Ferhad Bharucha; October 27 A boy to Khshehehr and Mohmood Curmally', October 28 A girl to Meher and Salim Lokhandwala', October 31 MARRIED Firuzi Phiroze Sethna and Nawzer Zarir Satarawala of Jodhpur, Rajasthan; October 6 Rashna Noshir Wadia and Jamshed Dinshaw Paymaster, October 7 Zenobia Kersi Tamboli and Farshid Askander Irani (Goorabian); October 8 Pariza Adi Shroff and Khushroo Hoshang Mehta\ October 15 Niloufer Phiroz Taraporewala of Tarapur and Ronny Adi Taraporewala of Tarapur; October 25 Shiraz Cawas Bhadha of Poona and Rohin Earach Mehta', October 26 Armin Dara Dubash and Behram Jamshed Billimoria', October 27 Parizad Keki Patva and Mehemosh Russi Writer, October 30 Dilnavaaz Aspi Mistry and Neville Adi Daruwalla', October 31 DIED Bomi Nusserwanji Kalapesi (73), residing at 1/8, Rustom Baug, Victoria Rd, 4(X)027; October 1 Thrity Burjor Baria (67), R/1, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; October 2 Mehroo Curset Cama (84), Dubash Mans, Walton Rd, Colaba, 400039; October 2 Jahangir Rustom Doomasia (63), Lily Court, Churchgate Reel, 400020; October 2 Jehangir Pestonji Dordi (90), 6/782, Patel Bldg, M. Joshi Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 2 Dhunjishah Jehangirji Mistry (72), 6/6, Old Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400{K)7; October 2 Bomi Khurshedji Shroff (73), 104, Rama-Prasad, Babulnath, Chowpatty, 400(K)7; October 2 Dinshaw Hormusji Dungor (65), Victory Villa, Turner Rd, Bandra, 400050; October 3 Alamai Cooverji Jamulla (85), N/2, Bharucha Baug, S. V. Rd, Andheri (W), 400058; October 3 Pheroze Shiavax Hormusji Jhabwala (76), 91, Mont Blanc, 67/A, Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; October 3 Nargesh Meherji Khambatta (71), 51/D, Hill Rd, Opp Bandra Ice Factory, Bandra (W), 400050; October 3 Homi Dossahoy Mehta (80), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 3 Kaikhushru Faramji Ardeshir (Bhujwalla) (75), Q/5, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400026; October 4 Fredoon Sorab Bilimoria (85), Jyoti Sadan, 137, Marine Drive, 400020; October 4 Gool Eruch Irani (70), B/4, Shapur Baug, V. P. Rd, 400(X)4; October 4 Pallonji Jehangirji Colabawalla (?5), A/101, Concord, Lokhandwala Complex, Andheri (W). 400058; October 5 Aspi Behramji Irani (76), 37/A, Panday Sanatorium, Wodehouse^* Rd, Colaba, 400(X)5; October 5 * Kaikhusru Jehangir Mody (93), Queens Court, M. K. Rd, 400020; October 5 Dinamai Hormusji Antia (88), C/24, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; October 6 Tehmi Nadirsha Mistry (73), 10, Khareghat Clny, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 6 Maneck Padamji Purveyor (58), 13, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; October 6 Katy "Homi Ichaporia (59), 792, Dina Manzil, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 4(X)014; October 8 Polly Ardeshir Sidhwa (64), 2/B-26, Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphinstone Rd, Parel, 400012; October 8 Homai Ratansha Dharwar (11}, Yusuf Manzil, Kashinath St, 4(X)034; October 9 Banoo Faramji Havewala (64), D, Nicholson Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 4(M)034; October 9 Phiroz Kaikhashru Motiwalla (80), R/7, Nowroz Baug, Lalbaug, 400012; October 9 Pallon Nadirshaw Bagli (84), D/17, Jerbai Baug, Ambedkar Rd, Byculla, 400027; 40 Parsiana October 1995 «October 10 Khusru Khodadad Daruwalla (67), 623, Marker Mans, Lady Jehangir Rd, Parsi Clny, Dadar, 400014; October 10 Jivanji Ardeshir Ichhaporia (74), 384/A, Kapadia Mans, Grant Rd, 400007; October 10 Tehmina Ardeshir Mistry (82), C/o Ms S. K. Mehta, 20,Toddywalla Bldg, 28, Sunmill Rd, Lower Parel, 400013; October 10 Nadir Jamshedji Shroff (73), F. S. Parukh Dharamshalla, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 10 Goal Fardonji Devlaliwalla (75), Kapawalla Agiary Annexe, Sir Ratan Tata Clny, Tardeo, 400034; October 11 Nergish Vicaji Engineer (96), 599, Sharma Nivas, Jame Jamshed Rd, Matunga, 400019; October 11 Jerbanoo Khodadad Kasmabadi (75), Anil Bhuvan, Parel, 400012; October 11 Mani Eruchsa Surti (75), C/o S. P. Mandroina, 11, Mody Bldg, Gamadia Clny, Tardeo, 400007; October 11 Sorabji Maneckji Bhada (77), Kooka Bldg, Sopari Baug Rd, Parel, 400012; October 14 Najamai Faramroze Elavia (83), 618/B, Bhiwandiwalla Ter, Dhobitalao, 400002; October 14 Jer Pirojshaw Edulji (80), 4/18,. Tata Mills Co-op Hsg Soc, Elphi nstane Rd, Parel, 400012; October 15 Ketayun Mondegar Irani (78), 45/47, Karelwadi, Thakurdwar, 400002; October 15 Rustom Jehangir Tarapore (72), 51, Minoo Mans, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; October 15 Keki Byramji Mistry (86), Lam Bldg No 3, N. M. Joshi Marg, 400013; October 16 Minoo Erachshaw Motafram (64), 30/G, Bomanji Lane, Fort, 400001; October 16 Mani Phiroze Doctor (71), C/23, Contractor Baug, Mori Rd^ Mahim, 400016; October 17 Homi Kaikhushru Unwala (80), 22, Park View, Little Gibbs Rd, 400006; October 17 Tehmi Eruch Bamboat (51), 10, Sidhwa Bldg, Balaram St, Grant Rd, 400007; October 18 Tehmina Homi Batliwalla (82), 676, Faredoon Ter, Katrak Rd, Wadala, 400031; October 18 Maneck Nadirsha Goiporia (63), 2M\7, UTI Staff Qrts, Bandra, 400050; October 18 Ros han Shapurji Billimoria (71), 501/B, Crossgate Co-op Hsg Soc, Samrath Ngr, Cross Rd no 4, Andheri (W), 400058; October 20 Daisy Sapal Printer (81), 194, Maudestan, D’Monte Park St, Opp D’Monte Park, Bandra, 400050; October 20 Erucshaw Khurshidji Amrolia (77), G/16, Cusrow Baug, S. B. Rd, 400039; October 22 Boman Merwanji Irani (60), C/o Ms Goolrukh Ardeshiri, Vatcha Gandhi Bldg, Hughes Rd, 400007; October 22 Putlamai Sohrabji Jithra (89), Banaji Bldg, Forjett St Cross Lane, Gowalia Tank, 400036; October 22 Banoobai Behramji Divecha (101), Coo ver Cottage, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; October 23 Aloo Pestonji Engineer (80), B/3, Bhairvi Apts, Bhardawadi Rd, Opp Navrang Cinema, Andheri (W), 400058; October 23 Rustomji Jamshedji Marfatia (92), 31, Panday Hse, B. Jaykar Rd, Thakurdwar, 400002; October 23 Aloo Framroze Batliwalla (65), D/9, Mehalla Patel Agiary St, Grant Rd, 400007; October 24 Ardesher Behramji Karbhari (95), 8, Tata Clny, Sir Ratan Tata Rd, Tardeo, 400034; October 24 Tehmton Darabshah Laher (50), M. B. Hse, Ghoga St, Fort, 400001; October 24 Maneck Homi Pavri (71), C, Banoo Mans, Cumballa Hill, 400036; October 24 Phiroze Ardeshir Golwalla (86), Summer Queen, Arthur Bunder Rd, Colaba, 400005; October 25 Sohrab Jehangir Postwala (83), 4, Neelkamal, Ankur Soc, BEST Ngr, Goregaon, 400104; October 26 Amy Khurshed Antia (86), 4A, Rockside, 112, Walkeshwar Rd, 400006; October 27 Bapai Rustomji Guzdar (95), 11, Victoria Apts, St Alexis Rd, Bandra 400050; October 27 Jerbai Hormusji Sidhwa (80), Sethna Bldg, Wadia St, Tardeo, 400034; October 27 Bapsy Jehangir Gandhi (72), 4/4, Malcolm Baug, Jogeshwari (W), 400102; October 28 Aloo Keki Patel (71), A/35, Godrej Baug, Off Nepean Sea Rd, 400006; October 28 Pirojbai Faramji Dookandar (89), 12/2666, Bibi-Ni-Wadi, Dr Kavina St, Sayedpura, Surat, 395003; October 29 Dossabhoy Bomanji Parakh (93), Satar-Sea View, 45, Chowpatty Sea Face, 400007; October 29 Freny Maneckshaw-Antia (79), 3/16, A. H. Wadia Baug, Parel Tank Rd, 400^3; October 31 Sheroo Dhunjishaw Banaji (75), 35/D, Station Ter, Sleater Rd, 400007; October 31 4t * With Best Compliments From LEACH & WEBORNY When in Bombay Contact For attending to your laundry. They are Launderers & Dyers of repute. They will also attend to your carpets for cleaning or dyeing. 66, Off E. Moses Road, Worli, Bombay 400018 Phone: Head Office 2654294 Factory: 4924384,4925644Aloo Pirojshah Cooper (68), Fatima Manzil, S. V. Rd, Jogeshwari, 400102; October 31 Maneckji Hormusji Engineer (92), 15/2, Rustom Bang, Victoria Rd, Byculla, 400027; October 31 Dhun Darabshah (Dadabhai) Fitter (78), 3/E, Captain Clny, Gowalia Tank, Tardeo, 400034; October 31 Khorshed Dinshaw Kotwal (90), M/33, Cusrow Bang, S. B. Rd, 400039; October 31 Farokh Darabshah Mis try (46), 102-V/l 1, Ashokvan II, Shiv Vallabh, Borivali (E), 400066; October 31 BORN Boys Girls A 10 16 TOTALS FOR 1995 Bombay India World B A B A B 88 83 1 5 3 4 2 21 13 MARRIED Parsi Intercommunal DIED CONSIGNED Male Female CREMATED Male Female 9 37 38 185 61^ 405 388 3 1 1 3 1 10 8 17 20 75 74 5 7 23* 30* BANGALORE DIED Perviz Nariman Billimoria (89), Ganesh Villa, No 9, 4th Cross, Dinnur, R. T. Ngr, 560032; October 13 CALCUTTA BORN A boy, Riyan, to Khursheed and Jamsheed Vatcha', September 4 MARRIED Anipa Mukherjee and Nairio- shang Merchant', October 22 u POONA DIED Sorab Edulji Wadia (93), Piloo Villa, 28, Yeshwant Ngr, 411007; September 1 Baimai Jamshedji Poonawalla (75), 30, United Apts, 2407, East St, 411001; September 6 Dolly Adarji Kasad (85), 407/4, Nanapeth, 411002; September 10 Minoo Kawasji Billimoria (56), 43, Badani Hse, Jijibai Dadabai Lane, Bombay, 400001; September 11 Putlibai Dorabjee Shroff (84), 4, Parvati Villa Rd, 411040; September 20 Katy Keki Mistry (74), Q/1166, Parmar Ngr, Wanawadi, 411040; October 4 Shera Ardeshir Antia (83), 4, Noor Baug, Padamji Park, 411002; October 9 Nargis Firozeshah Kambatta (85), 206/A, Parmar Ngr, 411013; October 10 Rustom Firozeshah Daroga (84), 283, Sukarwar Peth, 411001; October 14 Jimmy Sorabji Lawyer (78), The Greens, Uday Baugh, 3, Hadapsar, 411013; October 14 Khorshed Behram Pestonji (85), A: Total numbers in this issue B: Running totals for 1995 (February- Males married out - 27 Females married out - 34 * Overseas deaths are listed in the consigned column as Parsiana does not have a breakup of those cremated. These figures pertain to information provided to or collected by Parsiana. They do not represent the total number of births, marriages and deaths in the Zoroastrian community in India and abroad. 6, Devi Apts, 12, Deccan College Rd, 411006; October 27 Mithu Gustasp Rashid (IS), Arman, 3, Stevely Rd, 411001; October 29 SURAT DIED Vira Pervez Havewala (38), Vanki Bordi, 395003; September 1 Allamai Meharjibhai Patel (82), Navsari Infirmary, Navsari, 396445; September 2 Baby of Yazdi Ardeshir Elavia (stillborn). Shahpore, 395003; September 6 Pestonji Jamshedji Pundole (74), Shahpore, 395003; September 6 Kaikhushroo Maneckshaw Vesuna (64), Village Vesu, Dist Surat; September 12 Beharam Dhanjishaw Patviljl), Sayed-pura, 395003; September24 Rustamji Manackji Bhathna (82), Palia St, Nanpura, 395001 ;September 28 Shavak Darabshaw Wadia (60), Wadia St, Machlipith, 395003; September 28 Dhunjisha Dosabhai Pithawala (82), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 2 Jalamai Jamshedji Kalwachwala (83), Delha St, Rustampura, 395002; October 5 Jarbanu Eruchshaw Kapadia '-March 1995-October 1995 issues) (66), Parsiwad, Sayedpura, 395003; October 6 Jamshedji Hormasji Bharucha (73), 12, D. K. Park Soc, Bhatar Rd, 395003; October 8 Padamsha Behramsha Darbari (85), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 11 Noshir Hormusji Kapadia (57), Parsiwad, Sayedpura, 395003; October 12 Doli Savaksha Variava (62), Shahpore, 395003; October 12 Barjorji Bapuji Zaiwala (72), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 12 Tehmina Gustadji Karanjia (90), Vanki Bordi, 395003; October 14 Goolbai Dhanjishaw Dastur (Kumana) (93), Kanpith, 395003; October 19 Eruchshaw Hormasji Panthki (92), Lalgate, 395003; October 23 Zarin Rustamji Dumasia (47), Danger St, Nanpura; 395001; October 25 Piroga Jal Khursigara (87), Ru­ stampura, 395002; October 26 Alamai Nariman Cooper (90), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 27 Banumai Maherji Baria (77), Bajavad, Navsari, 396445; October 29 Rustom Jal Irani (90), Nariman Home and Infirmary, Shahpore, 395003; October 31 CANADA Ontario BORN A boy, Ashtin, to Sheila and Farhiz Gazdar, brother to Rayanne; October 18 > PAKISTAN Karachi BORN A girl, Zara, to Pareezad and Yezdi Talati', June 3 A boy, Cyrus, to Goolnar and Nader Cowasjee', August 27 A boy, Zal, to Neena and Yazd- yar Haweliwalla', September 17 * DIED Roshan D. Jagus (72); July 25 Dinoo M. Chinoy (73); August 9 Lulu Zal Contractor (75); August 10 Sorabji Bomanji Mehta (90); September 4 Feroze K. Kanga (75); September 17 Khorshed Amra (74); September 29 Khorshed S. Patel (71); October 14 Darayus H. Irani (64); October 17 Nerges R. Aga (74); October 22 Jamshed S. Poonegar (18); October 23 Jamshed S. Behrana (74); October 25 Nargis D. Sethna (78); October 26__________________ Compiled by Roxana A. Driver 43 Parsiana October 1995 I1N ME MORI AM “A dear friend who stood upright, never compromised with his principles... He may have been abrasive at times but his frank ­ ness was never misunderstood, ” remem- Died:NavalJalArdeshir,72,foundermem- again, ” stated a tribute in The Flying Car- bered his colleague Rajendra Saboo of ber andjormer president of the Bombay pjt, volume 41, the bulletin of the Rotary Chandigarh. That he was candid to the core was reiterated by Jolly who only a few months before Ardeshir ’ s demise had urged him to attend their weekly meetings . “How given his all in business and professional do you expect me to come to your meetings ’ ¦*— - - when you do stupid, irresponsible things again, ” stated a tribute in The Flying Car- Master Printers Association (BMPA), on Club of Bombay West. Managing partner January 26, 1995 in Bombay following a of Bolton Fine Art Litho Works near Tar ­ lung ailment. Regarded as “a pioneer of the modem printing industry, ” Ardeshir enjoyed the expertise and acumen, ” added the bulletin, distinction of being the first Known to be “a stickler for like banning smoking? ” Ardeshir, a chain person to hold the office of perfection... the toughest of smoker, had countered. the president of the Associa- taskmasters and sometimes tion for two consecutive years, even as the conscience-keeper unbound affection, ” reminisced another noted an obituary in a com- of the Rotary Club of Bom- Rotary colleague Vikram Kamdar. A very munique from the BMPA. He bay...he would invariably good orator who believed that English had also served the All India —’-------- " * ' .... .. ... Federation of Master Printers (AIFMP) as secretary, vice president and president, remembered his compeer the late Pheroze Jhabvala, former managing partner of Asian Printers Private Limited, an award winning printery at Tardeo. “Naval was my guru in the BMPA, deo, it was the “enterprise to which he had “He was a person full of humor and raise a point at any departure should be well spoken and written, his from the rule-book. Having speeches were spiced with humor. One of made his point, he was usually the first to suggest a way out of a dilemma, thus ensuring that the spirit of Rotary was always in sight, ” mentioned a write-up titled “Good Night, Sweet Prince ” in The Gateway, the bulletin of the Rotary Until a bad knee hampered his agUity, his favorite jokes, remembers his wife Silla, was to relate to his friends that the year of his marriage was the momentous 1947, when India won her independence, and he lost his. Among his other interests were a game bridge, chess and golf. Club of Bombay. During the nearly four tennis, football and hockey were*his favor- J ite games during his studen^days at Pune ’s Printing Industry, ” acknowledged Russi movement he accepted different offices Bishop School and Wadia College where ¦ he graduated in science before opting to Having attended several Federation meet- tary, president, district governor, fiscal join the family concern, Bolton AIFMP and the Development Panel of decades he was associated with the Rotary T^ * a.* - _ T .. -1 . J »» 1 11 1>-* • ¦ _ Cama, a director of The Bombay Samachar, whether it be that of honorary joint secre- he graduated in science before opting to tary, president, district governor, fiscal join the family concern, Bolton. ' Both Ardeshir and his wife had decided present president of the Rotary Club of some time ago that they preferred crema ­ tion as the mode for disposing the body. Their understanding of religion was such ings in his company, Cama remembered agent or consultant. Arvind Jolly, the the breakfasts he had shared with Ardeshir, whom he described as “a thorough gentle ­ man both in business and personal life, ” and Ardeshir ’s penchant for green chillies ! “He was a master printer and has cre ­ ated marvels in printing using his person ­ ally developed techniques and has won who helped him week after week in run ­ laurels and awards and honors again and ning the bulletin, reports The Gateway. Bombay, referred to the time when on his appointment as editor of The Gate­ way, senior Rotarians had warned him that that all faiths are equal, there being only Naval would tear him to pieces even over a single spelling mistake. Yet it was Naval one God who is almighty. Ardeshir is survived by his wife Silla, daughters Jeri, Shireen and Frainy, and son Sohrab. Pannaz Gandhi * I THE WINNING FORMULA continued from page 23 ters. ” He adds, “I have never done anything for four to five hours practising with his in my life for recognition. Recognition partner. This gives them the opportunity to comes to you when you attain a certain develop rapport and act in unison as a team level. ” He knows what he is talking about which is very important in yachting. After for he is the proud recipient of the Arjuna which he trains with weights which builds Award, given to him for excellence in up the musclepower required in a sport in sports in 1982. In 1983 the Indian Navy which you battle the winds and waves, presented him with the Vishist Seva Medal. In 1985 the government of Maharashtra Tarapore says, “Sports is my religion. ” presented him with the Chatrapati Shivaji About the various controversies raging in Award, the highest in our state. The Arjuna the Parsi Press, he comments: “Where is the Award, he says, came to him by post as he was out of India taking part in some international competition (such is his de ­ dication to the sport). ZOROASTRIANS ABROAD He informs us that he is in the sea daily continued from page 20 Parsis of Shanghai, China. Some eight years ago when I was there and spoke to them, they have since made yearly dona ­ tions to our schools. ” In his covering letter to ParsianaDeboo notes that he has intentionally included these extracts of correspondence to high­ light “his work for the upliftment of the Zarathushtis of Iran (for) which Bhownag ­ gree has never been credited, even by Parsis; but as the copies of the letters show, time to read all that and take sides? I practise the Iranians did certainly regard him in and preach sports day in and day out, so you high esteem. ” can definitely say it is my religion. ” Compiled by Amavaz s. Mama Asked about his views on religion, 44 Parsiana October 1995 I