There have been Parsis in Calcutta from the time immemorial. But in fact there is no one to one correspondence in between Calcutta and Parsis in connection to their origins. Basically the Parsis are the descendent of the Three-millennia-old Zoroastrian heritage. But in course of time, the Parsis made a commendable contribution towards the City of Joy. In the British Empire the first Parsis arrived in Calcutta from Surat in the year 1767, Dadabhai Behranji Banaji, gradually he established his own arena of business as “Banaji Seth” and he made a remarkable contribution in the Commercial & Industrial history of Bengal.

Again on 1812, Seth Rustamji Kawasji Banaji repeated the footmark of Banaji Seth and with the predecessor. This Rustamji Babu, what he was called by the Industrial Community, was a high profile figure in the city’s Industrial world. He founded the SUN Insurance Office and carried on a fleet of 27 ships but in 1937, bought the Calcutta Docking Company i.e. the Kidderpore Dock. He was not only famous for his business acumen, but for his social and philanthropic activities. He founded the first five temple in Calcutta at 26, Ezra Street in the year 1839. Along with these Banajis, there were lot other families who also enrich Calcutta’s Economic, Social and Cultural growth. With the departure of the British Empire, Parsis gradually declined in their reputation regarding Business. In fact, they rose to their pinnacle of success in the period of the British dynasty. But it won’t be wise to say Parsis don’t have any influence to the city, rather this particular community contribute a good deal of Social, Cultural and Religious activities icon the city.

Mr. V. BALSARA

Mr. C. R. IRANI

Are the few names among them. The community is just about a thousand strong in Calcutta, but it is not the number, the real glory of Parsis is simply unlimited in the city.