Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c5.s3.t5.1

v1.c5.s3.t5.1

The Parsis are an Indian community of ethnic Persian origin who are followers of Zoroastrianism. The original Parsis migrated to the west coast of India in the 8^th or 10^th centuries CE to avoid religious persecution in their original homeland of Persia. Originally a largely agricultural community, they later ventured into and made their mark in trade and modern industry. From the later 18^th century CE until the early 20^th century CE, they played a major role in the overseas trade from the port of Bombay (Mumbai), particularly in the trade between Bombay and the China coast.