This volume examines a much-neglected area of Asian studies. Intracing keypoints in the development of the Parsi community, itdepicts the Parsis' history, and accounts for their ability topreserve, maintain and construct a distinct identity. For a greatpart the story is told in the colonial setting of Bombay city. Attention is given to the Parsis' evolution from an insularminority group to a modern community of pluralistic outlook. Filling the lacunae in the literature on British colonialism,Indian society and history, and, last but not least,Zoroastrianism, this volume broadens our knowledge of theinteraction of colonialism and colonial groups, and elucidates thesignificant role of the Parsis in the commercial, educational, andcivic milieu of Bombay colonial society. \n