

Parsi: A Fiercely Contested Identity
Aug 8, 2025
Nev March, a celebrated novelist and historian from the Parsi community, engages listeners with captivating insights about the Parsi identity and its historical complexities. He explores landmark court cases that reshaped both the Indian legal landscape and the Parsi community's identity. March also highlights the cultural contributions of Parsi women and the challenges they face today. With discussions on race, religion, and belonging, he reveals how the Parsi legacy has significantly influenced Indian culture while navigating the pressures of modernity.
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Origins of Parsis and Zoroastrians
- Parsis are medieval Zoroastrian refugees who fled Persia to India between 9th and 12th centuries.
- They mixed with local Hindus over centuries, shown by 25% South Asian DNA in Parsis.
Parsis' Role in India's Development
- Parsis went from poor refugees to key figures in Indian industry and administration.
- They earned a reputation for honesty and innovation, shaping modern India's economy and education.