Karaka, Dosabhai Framji: History of the Parsis: including their manners, customs, religion and present position ; in two volumes (Band 1) (London, 1884)

CHAPTER II.

THE ZOKOASTKIANS IN PERSIA.

The Zoroastrians in Persia—The misfortunes of that state—Majority of people
adopt Mahomedanism—The Zoroastrian colonies—The Ghilji Afghans—
Their invasion of Persia—The part taken by the Zoroastrians—Their
treatment by Nadir Shah and his successors—They gradually lose their
ancient books—The wretched condition of Parsis in Persia—The poll-tax
or " jazia "—Cruel exactions in order to raise it—The appeal to the Bombay
Tarsis—Called the Guebres—Made the victims of harsh laws—Cases of
tyranny—Mahomedan slaying a Parsi—The reverse—Other offences—
The Persian Zoroastrians retain their characteristics — Their love of
truth and morality—Efforts of the Bombay Parsis in their behalf—Views
of the author—"The Persian Zoroastrian Amelioration Fund"—State-
ment of its objects—Abolition of the "jazia"—Pressure brought to bear on
the Shah—Deputations and letters—Ultimate success—Those who obtained
it—Other objects of the fund—A picturesque legend—The slaughtering
of cows—A beneficent reform—The present condition of Persia.

An inquiry into the present state of those who profess
the religion of Zoroaster would manifestly be incom-
plete if it did not embrace those members of the race
who have held fast to their faith in the mother-country
even after its conquest by the Moslem. The effect
of Mahomedan rule, wherever established, is too well
known to need any lengthened description. Within
a hundred years of the time when the followers
of the Arabian Prophet first set foot on Persian
soil, the condition of the country had entirely