The Great Persian Famine of 1871, Parsi Refugees and the Making of Irani Identity in Bombay

Abstract

This essay examines how the relief efforts occasioned by the Great Persian Famine of 1871 crystallized a new sense of community consciousness among the Parsis as well as created the new identity of ‘Iranis’ amongst the Persian Zoroastrian refugee population that was rehabilitated in Bombay. It draws on Jim Masselos’ work on migration and identity in Bombay to show how framing a new identity enabled Persian Zoroastrians to be considered on their own terms, rather than being subsumed as part of the Parsi poor in the city.