The interaction of Persian Indians with Yazd Zoroastrians in the Naseri’s era

The Teymour’s invasion and the ensuing aggravation of Zoroastrians’ problems in Khorasan and the northern regions of Iran forced the chief magians of this religious minority to emigrate to some safer areas including Kerman and Yazd. Following their residence in Torkabad and Sharifabad villages, Yazd turned into not only the most prominent spot for Iranian Zoroastrians but also a pillar for Persian Indians to acquire information on their religious rituals. The continuation of such cultural relations led to the establishment of the “ Society of Persian Indian Elites” in the 19th century aimed at helping their fellow-religious mates in Iran. This happened when the Persian Indians had flourished as a result of having close relations with the English statesmen in India and benefiting from their western ideological doctrines. Following the establishment of the society, Mankji paid a visit to Iran during the Naseri’s era and initiated a number of measures including the lifting of capitation, the internal reformation, foundation of new schools and efforts to decrease the social pressures on theZoroastrians. Such measures started a new chapter in the social, economic and cultural status of the Zoroastrians in Yazd. Using historical analysis, the present research endeavors to offer a critical analysis of the extent of this interaction in terms of the function of the representatives of Persian Indians during the Naseri’s era.