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

XXX INTRODUCTION.

our religion. Without discussing too minutely the different versions given of his birth and the age at which he flourished, I have shown exactly what the more inteligent and better informed among my people accept on the subject; and it will be admitted that the knowledge is as clear and precise as is desirable. If some of my statements should disaccord with those made from time to time by the great scholars and exponents of Sanscrit and of the primitive Aryan religions, it is only necessary to say that my province has been limited to playing the part of a faithful exponent of the views current amone my own people. In the preparation of the chapters on Religion, I must express my obligations to Ervad Jivanji Jamshedji Modi, B.A., for his valuable assistance. Some of the materials used in these volumes have been taken from the Parsi Prakash, which is a record in Gujarati of events interesting to the Parsi community.

In addition to the strictly religious portion of Zoroastrianism I have dealt with the questions of marriage, betrothal, funerals, and other important ceremonies of human life in different chapters under the head of Manners and Customs. Here the influence of the Hindus is most apparent, and innovations have proved more numerous; but still the main character of these ceremonies is distinct from that of the

similar practices among the Hindus. It is hoped