Tucked away in a quiet by-lane in south Mumbai, the newly renovated Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum opens a window into the fascinating yet little-known world of the Parsis—followers of Zoroastrianism, one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions.
Though the Parsis have long played a vital role in shaping India’s industrial, cultural, and philanthropic landscape, their numbers are now alarmingly low. Today, the community’s population in India is estimated at just 50,000 to 60,000, a fraction of what it once was. The museum, one of Mumbai’s oldest—originally founded in 1952—now aims to preserve and spotlight this unique heritage for future generations.
A Treasure Trove of Zoroastrian History
Curated by Kerman Fatakia, the museum showcases rare artefacts that trace the long journey of the Parsis from ancient Persia to modern-day India. Among the most striking pieces on display are cuneiform bricks, terracotta pots, and coins dating back to 4000–5000 BCE, sourced from ancient sites like Babylon, Mesopotamia, Susa, and Yazd—regions once ruled by Persian dynasties such as the Achaemenians, Parthians, and Sasanians.
One of the standout exhibits is a replica of the Cyrus Cylinder, the iconic clay artifact from the 6th century BCE issued by Cyrus the Great, founder of the Achaemenid Empire. Often hailed as the world’s first human rights charter, the artifact outlines Cyrus’s progressive policies toward his subjects in Babylon. A replica also stands at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
Tracing a Journey of Survival
The museum also highlights the migration routes of Iranian Zoroastrians who, fleeing Islamic persecution after the Arab conquest in the 7th century, began arriving on Indian shores between the 8th and 10th centuries, with another wave in the 19th century. Maps and archival documents trace their perilous journey and eventual settlement, mainly in the western state of Gujarat and cities like Mumbai (formerly Bombay).
Icons of Industry and Opium Trade
Visitors can also view paintings and possessions of prominent Parsis such as Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, founder of the Tata Group—one of India’s most influential industrial conglomerates, which now owns global brands like Jaguar Land Rover and Tetley Tea.
Another section delves into the 19th-century global trade networks that brought prosperity to the Parsi elite. Artefacts reveal the community’s once-flourishing involvement in the trade of tea, silk, cotton, and even opium with China. Exhibits include beautifully embroidered Parsi sarees influenced by Chinese, French, and Victorian design motifs, reflecting the community’s cosmopolitan ties.
Sacred Spaces, Reimagined
Among the most compelling installations are life-size replicas of two of the Parsi faith’s most sacred and mysterious structures—the Tower of Silence and a fire temple.
The Tower of Silence, or dakhma, is a circular structure where Parsis leave the dead to decompose naturally, a practice rooted in Zoroastrian principles of purity and sustainability. The museum’s model illustrates this process, offering a rare educational glimpse into a space typically closed to the public.
Equally captivating is the replica of a fire temple, modelled on one of Mumbai’s most revered Zoroastrian temples. Since non-Parsis are not permitted to enter these temples, the exhibit—featuring sacred Persian motifs and architectural elements—is an invaluable cultural bridge.
More Than a Museum
A walk through the museum feels like a journey through time. From the mud houses of Yazd—recreated with mannequins wearing traditional shawls—to delicate manuscripts, furniture, and portraits of Parsi luminaries, every display is steeped in history.
Now featuring modern glass cases, detailed captioning, and guided tours, the museum has transformed into an immersive educational space.
“It’s a small museum, but it’s packed with history,” says Fatakia.
“It offers a powerful way for not just Mumbai residents, but for people across India and the world, to understand the unique legacy of the Parsi community.”As the community faces demographic challenges and cultural dilution, the Alpaiwalla Museum stands as both a tribute and a time capsule—preserving the Parsi spirit for generations yet to come