History of the Parsis : including their manners, customs, religion and present position : with coloured and other illustrations : in two volumes

262 AIISTORV OF THE PARSTS. [CHAP. VI.

he would always be anxious to preserve with his life.” This is surely no slight testimony to the high character of the Parsis as merchants, for it records a quarter of a century’s experience among them of a respected member of the British mercantile community. While circumstances have forced the Bombay Parsis to recede somewhat from the foremost position they had occupied in the commercial community, they have lost none of their general character for industry and enterprise, as must have been evident from the previous pages. Half a century ago Bombay afforded few opportunities for following other professions and pursuits than those of merchants and traders. With the progress of time, however, the activity of the Parsis has found scope in a variety of new outlets. They are now taking actively to the professions and all honourable vocations. Thirty or forty years ago Parsis in the higher ranks of the Government service could be counted on the fingers of one’s hands, whereas at the present day several of the highest positions in the uncovenanted branch of the service are occupied by them, and some have even entered the covenanted civil service by open competition in England.

As we have pointed out in another chapter, many have embraced the professions of law, engineering, and