“Achemenids in the news”

The article, "Achemenids in the news” (Zoroastrians Abroad, Parsiana, November 7, 2005) was interesting and the exhibition, "Forgotten Empire: the World of Ancient Parsis” at The British Museum was quite amazing. But what I read recently in a local English paper, which was reviewing the exhibition, was not, in my opinion, flattering for us Parsis. The descendants, the article stated, of these ancient Persians are Zoroastrian Parsis, and are known as "The Jews of India.” Had it said "were known as the Jews of India,” I suppose it would have been fair, for after all under the Raj, we were merchants of note (as were Jews). The British favored us, as we were lighter skinned, and as part of their "divide and rule” policy. And yes, we were then financially very astute. I know that people like Zubin Mehta have likened us to Jews, but frankly I cannot think of two people who are so different.

Sure, superficially there may well be similarities — we may look similar, there is the racy banter, sometimes more than just banter, almost rude "one-upmanship,” our mutual love for eating and drinking on religious occasions, love for the extended family, classical music — why even the prayer caps are similar! But then there are other races with whom we share the above similarities. Japanese too like classical music, Italians love feasts and most eastern people have extended families, but are we like them? I doubt it!

I manage an establishment that now employs many staff from eastern European countries, recent members of the EU (European Union). Now in the West we have what is known as "political correctness” (pc), where it is not politic to openly express racist views. But pc has not spread to Eastern Europe. Almost inevitably, the one thing these eastern staff always seem to mention is Jews are incredibly competitive, they are suspicious of everyone, especially of non Jews and they only ever help their own, never others. Grudgingly they admit Jews to be very intelligent and also very hardworking.

Now Parsis! Intelligent? Maybe, but no disrespect intended, not quite like Jews. Hardworking? Not as before, as many of us now live on vyaj (interest) — at best we are laid back and relaxed, some would say even indolent. Compe­titive? Sure, some Parsis may well be that, but even here, there is a limit. Ultimately manashni, gavashni and kunashni will prevail and we will back down. Suspicious of others? Parsis are generally relaxed and trusting of others. And "help their own, not others?” Parsis also, like any small community would, help their own first, but then we do help other Indians.

Frankly I would much prefer to be of average intelligence, but liked, rather than be highly intelligent, but intensely disliked. I suspect that Parsis are flattered with the comparison with Jews as certain Jews, Ashkenazi Jews are generally light skinned and European looking, and our obsession with "gori chamri (fair skin)” is no secret! But believe me, I hate it when we are compared with Jews, as I think we are as different as chalk and cheese. I dare say Jews too would be equally dismayed to be so compared with Parsis, as they too, like us, are an ancient and proud people: "Who the hell are these Zoroastrians who think they are like us!” could easily be a Jewish comment. No longer can we be compared with the sons of Abraham — for a start we are Aryan, they Semitic!

JEHANGIR SETHNA

Hertfordshire, UK