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Series:
Library
Series Editor:
Jamshid Varza
Author:
Lord, Henry
Subtopics:
Introduction
Chapter I
Chapter II
Chapter III
Chapter IV
Chapter V
Chapter VI
Chapter VII
Chapter VIII
The Author's Conclusion to the reader
Reference:
Related
Articles:
Related
Links:
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This
extensive report was published in a British Journal reporting
the discovery of two foreign sects in India -- Banians and Parsees. The
Parsees were identified as the ancient inhabitants of Persia. They migrated
to western India at 10th century after years of religious persecution
and forced conversions in their homeland. This article provides a comprehensive
description of Parsees, their religion, traditions and customs. The year
1752 is just two years prior to arrival of
Anquetil Du Perron
to India.
Anquetil Du Perron was a French officer who brought copies of Avesta and
other Zarathushtrian scriptures to west for the first time. His work set
off a series of studies on Zarathushtra and Zarathushtrians in Europe.
This original article should provide
first hand observation of Parsee life and traditions during the 18th
century India. One can appreciate the progress and depth which
Zarathushtrian studies have made during the last three centuries.
- Cover
Page
A Discovery of Two Foreign Sects in the
East Indies, The Sect of Banians, The ancient natives of India, and,
The Sect of Parsees, The ancient inhabitants of Persia.
- Introduction
- Chapter I
Declaring who these Parsees are, Their
ancient place of abode, The cause of relinquishing their own
country, Their arrival in East India, and Their abode here.
- Chapter II
Containing the opinion of the Parsees,
touching the Creation of the World, and the Creatures therein,
together with a short mention of the Flood, and the general Division
of the Discourse.
- Chapter III
Concerning Zarathushtra the Law-Giver of
Parsees, his Parents, the Omens that forerun his nativity, their
Interpretation, his perils in his birthplace, his escape into
Persia, and the accidents happening in his travels.
- Chapter IV
Showing Zarathushtra's meditation of the
world wickedness, he goes out to enquire of God some Revelation for
the world's better government, he meets and angel, is rapt into
heaven, his request of Almighty, his vision; he receives a Book from
the Lord, and returns back from Heaven again.
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Chapter V
Showing what happened to Zarathushtra
after the angel left him, the devil met him and revealed him; He
comes to Gushtasp's court, the joy of his parents for his return;
the infamy Gushtasp's Churchman to put upon him, the miracles
thereby Zarathushtra does vindicate his fame; Gushtasp's four
demands, and his four grants.
- Chapter VI
Wherein he showed the main contents of the
book delivered to Zarathushtra, and by him published to the Persians
or Parsee.
-
Chapter VII
Containing the particulars of the Book of
their law, as they are apportioned first to the Behdin or layman;
secondly to the Herbod; which is the ordinary Churchman: and lastly,
to the Dastur, which is their archbishop.
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Chapter VIII
Declaring other ceremonies amongst these
Parsees, in the feasts and fasts, in their idolatrous worship of
Fire, Baptisms, Marriages and Burials.
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The Author's Conclusion to the reader
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