Behind our backs

I agree that we prospered under the British, that they found it easy to get along with us and that they trusted us. However, I have always felt they sneered a bit behind our backs for trying to ape them, peppered with a bit of envy for the wealth accumulated by the Parsis. Of course there were exceptions, and I am sure all our families must have known a few of those. I do not refer to them.

To substantiate my statement, I give below an insert from the newspaper Pioneer published in Allahabad on March 8, 1865. I read this in a history book I am going through at present. Remember, this was written during the heyday of the Parsis.

"The Parsees, by their enormous profits, are making everyone discontented with Government pay, some men have degraded themselves by taking bribes in the shape of shares — others more honourable are leaving Government service to make their fortunes in commerce. Parsees splash the mud up against you as you walk; Parsees puff their smoke into your wife’s face as they pass; purse-proud Parsees are admitted into English society, and delight to think that the wealth which introduced them there is the only test of power… if they would only keep themselves aloof from us in their social relations, as other Natives do, these annoyances would be less intimately felt.”

Perhaps after reading this we will stop saying "Aapri rani (our queen)” and "Aapro rajo (our king.)”

MEHROO KHAREGAT

Meherbai36@hotmail.com