Valid question. What you or the nature gonna do about it?
@padamchen
- PRTP GWD
We are stable at 120-150,000.
That is the peak of the Parsi population in India at the turn of the 17th century in Mumbai.
We have not declined much since then.
Only difference is that the community is shrinking in India and growing in the west.
Remember that most historical accounts put the number of first Parsi settlers in India as around 18,000. 5 to 7 ships.
The current generation in India is the 44th.
Remember also that it was the cream of Persian society that moved to India to protect the fire and the faith. The Athorans, descendants from the Magi. The warrior priests.
Later waves brought in the other classes once Persia converted completely to Islam. They were then coalesced into a single class of Behdin for ease, because if the now tiny numbers and the fact that in a small colony now everyone was expected to pull together and do everything with no predefined roles or professions and trades.
Except for the priesthood which has always been hereditary.
Early centuries in India, the 4 main priestly clans (including the one I come from) only married within themselves.
Post the 16th century,once we started moving from Gujarat, Athoran men started taking Behdin brides.
My wife is a Behdin. But she automatically becomes an Osti by union with me.
Cheers, Doc