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Parsis: The Zoroastrians of India - A Photographic Journey
A rich compilation of photographs and text captures the lives, culture, and community of the Parsis, a religious and ethnic minority of India and South Asia who continue to follow the ancient religion of Zarathustra.
- GenresPhotography
252 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
March 6, 2011
A visually powerful book, written by a screenwriter whose work (Salaam Bombay, Mississipi Masala, The Namesake) I've long admired. After seeing Sooni Taraporevala's directorial debut film, Little Zizou last year, I made my library order this book (which they did after some struggle, as the book is no longer being distributed by the publisher, but is still sold online). I'm glad they did.
A coffee table book on a fascinating community. Filled with photographs of private moments and spaces, both public and sacred, of India's Parsi Zoroastrian community, this book is a pleasure to see and read. The ancient Zoroastrian religion is often said to be dying. But Taraporevala shows that it lives in India vibrantly in very urban Bombay, as well as rural Gujarat, coming to life in every page. From young priests studying in a "madressa" (I beleive this is where the Arabic word, madrassa, for religious school came from), to an old woman praying at the waters edge, to MTV personalities in their homes, Taraporevala portrays her own community with detail and richness.
Being a screenwriter, she also writes very readable prose about Zoroastrian and Parsi history, putting the photos in context.
Highly recommend this stunning photography book.
A coffee table book on a fascinating community. Filled with photographs of private moments and spaces, both public and sacred, of India's Parsi Zoroastrian community, this book is a pleasure to see and read. The ancient Zoroastrian religion is often said to be dying. But Taraporevala shows that it lives in India vibrantly in very urban Bombay, as well as rural Gujarat, coming to life in every page. From young priests studying in a "madressa" (I beleive this is where the Arabic word, madrassa, for religious school came from), to an old woman praying at the waters edge, to MTV personalities in their homes, Taraporevala portrays her own community with detail and richness.
Being a screenwriter, she also writes very readable prose about Zoroastrian and Parsi history, putting the photos in context.
Highly recommend this stunning photography book.
November 4, 2024
A beautiful visual narrative of my tribe.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews