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

CHAP. II. ] THE BOMBAY CENSUS. 95

The few following observations on the Parsi population are based upon the last census report of the city of Bombay, where the bulk of the Parsis dwell. This census, carried out under the direction and superintendence of Dr. T. S. Weir, the able and energetic health officer of the city of Bombay, is, so far as can be tested, found to be very reliable and correct.

An impression existed in the years following the share mania and financial excitement of 1865 in Bombay that the Parsi population was not increasing. The census of 1881 has dispelled that delusion, and confirmed the evidence of the mortuary statistics, which show that the Parsi population possesses a vitality and energy inherited from their ancient ancestors the Persians, and equal to those of European populations living in more bracing climates than India. Between 1872 and 1881 the Parsi population increased from 44,091 to 48,597, or about ten per cent. ‘This increase is due to the ordinary expansion and growth of the people. But the Parsi population is enterprising, and perhaps more

Sheryar was a Bombay Parsi or a Persian Guebre I could not discover, though I am disposed to believe him to have been the latter, as he earried along with him a “rucum” or document from the Shah of Persia. The death of this successful sojourner among the Kafir tribes is a subject of deep regret ; but it holds out a hope that some one may follow the adventurous example of this disciple of Zoroaster, and yet visit the Kafirs in their native glens. I know not what could have given rise to an identification of the Kafir race with that of ancient Persia, unless it be the mode of disposing of their dead on hills without interment.”