The Tatas, Freddie Mercury & Other Bawas: An Intimate History of the Parsis

Book Details

• Author: Coomi Kapoor

• Publisher: Penguin

• ISBN: 9780143459811

• Binding: Paperback

• Pages: 362

• Release Date: 24-04-2023

• Language: English

• Package Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.4 x 1.0 inches

About the Book

The Parsis: The Ancient and Modern World of Zoroastrians by Coomi Kapoor offers a fascinating and intimate look at the history and contributions of the Parsi community in India. With only around 50,000 members remaining in India, the Parsis are a small but influential group whose impact on the country is immense. From their arrival in India between the eighth and tenth centuries, the Parsis have shaped India's history across every field—be it science, business, the arts, or politics.

Kapoor, a senior journalist and Parsi herself, brings together the lives and legacies of iconic figures like Dadabhai Naoroji, Homi Bhabha, Sam Manekshaw, and Farrokh Bulsara (aka Freddie Mercury). This revised and updated edition weaves a rich tapestry of their extraordinary contributions—from the pioneering work in nuclear physics by Homi Bhabha to the business acumen of the Tata and Godrej families.

Beyond individual achievements, the book explores the Parsi community’s deep cultural and historical roots in India, from their influence on the country’s commerce to their role in the development of iconic products like tanchoi silk and chikoos. Kapoor’s engaging narrative brings to life a vibrant community, offering a poignant exploration of what it means to be Parsi in India today.