Explanation: The Parsis are followers of Zoroastrianism, originating from Persia (modern-day Iran), not the Indian subcontinent, and are distinct from adherents of Hinduism.

Explanation: The migration of the Parsi community's ancestors to the Indian subcontinent was primarily motivated by the search for refuge from religious persecution that intensified after the Arab conquest of the Sasanian Empire in Persia.

Explanation: Zoroastrianism was established as the state religion of Iran during the Achaemenid Empire and continued through the Sasanian Empire, predating its prominence to earlier periods.

Explanation: The Arab conquest of Persia resulted in the gradual Islamisation of the region, leading to a decline in Zoroastrianism's prominence, not its promotion.

Explanation: The Parsi community originally migrated from Persia, which corresponds to modern-day Iran.

Explanation: The primary impetus for the Parsi migration was to escape religious persecution following the Arab conquest of their homeland, Persia.

Explanation: The Arab conquest of the Sasanian Empire initiated the Islamisation of Persia, which subsequently led to increased persecution and migration of Zoroastrians.

Explanation: DNA studies indicate that the Parsi community has largely maintained its Persian genetic heritage, showing closer affinities to Iranian populations than to South Asian ones.

Explanation: The Qissa-i Sanjan indicates that the first Parsi refugees settled in Sanjan, located in present-day Gujarat, after being granted asylum by the local ruler.

Explanation: Historical accounts suggest that King Jadhav Rana permitted the Parsi refugees to settle on the condition that they would integrate by adopting local customs, including language, and refrain from carrying weapons.

Explanation: The term 'Parsi' is not attested in Indian Zoroastrian texts until the 17th century; earlier Sanskrit texts used it as an identifier for Indian Zoroastrians.

Explanation: Sanskrit texts interpret the term 'Parsi' as 'one who gives alms,' reflecting the community's strong tradition of philanthropy, not 'one who brings prosperity'.

Explanation: The adoption of Gujarati language and local customs facilitated the Parsis' integration into Indian society while enabling them to maintain their distinct religious identity.

Explanation: The epic Qissa-i Sanjan states that the initial Zoroastrian refugees from Persia settled in Sanjan, located in what is now Gujarat, India.

Explanation: Upon their arrival in Sanjan, the Parsi refugees reportedly agreed to adopt the local language and customs, and to refrain from carrying weapons, as conditions for their settlement.

Explanation: By adopting the Gujarati language and local customs, the Parsis successfully integrated into Indian society while preserving their distinct religious identity.

Explanation: Parsi identity is generally considered an ethno-religious designation, requiring both direct descent from original Persian refugees and formal admission into the Zoroastrian faith through ceremonies like the navjote.

Explanation: The equality principles within the Indian Constitution have effectively nullified previous patrilineal restrictions regarding the eligibility of children for formal admission into the Parsi faith.

Explanation: Martin Haug's interpretations of Zoroastrian scripture during the 1860s and 1870s were notably influenced by a Christian theological framework, comparing Yazatas to angels.

Explanation: Zoroastrianism discourages fasting, viewing it as detrimental to the body, which is considered a sacred vessel.

Explanation: The Navjote ceremony is the initiation rite for formally admitting individuals into the Zoroastrian faith, not a ritual for the deceased.

Explanation: Procreation is highly valued within the Parsi community, considered essential for the continuation and expansion of their faith and community.

Explanation: Traditional Parsi funeral practices involve exposure in Towers of Silence (Dakhmas) to avoid defiling sacred elements like earth and fire, rather than cremation.

Explanation: The significant decline in vulture populations has indeed impacted traditional Parsi funeral practices, particularly the efficacy of Towers of Silence, leading to challenges in decomposition.

Explanation: Atash Behram temples house the highest grade of sacred fire, prepared through a year-long intensive process, which is more elaborate than that for Dar-i Mihr temples.

Explanation: The Shahenshahi calendar is indeed the calendar system adhered to by the majority of the Parsi community.

Explanation: The 'Ilm-e-Khshnoom' is a philosophical movement within Parsi Zoroastrianism that emphasizes mystical and esoteric interpretations of the faith's scriptures.

Explanation: Historically, the Parsi community's approach to conversion has been debated, but emphasis on preserving distinct identity has led to a more exclusive stance over time, rather than being broadly open to converts.

Explanation: 'Asha' in Zoroastrianism signifies righteousness and truth, contrasting with 'Druj,' which represents wickedness and falsehood.

Explanation: Fire holds profound sacredness in Zoroastrian worship, symbolizing the divine presence of Ahura Mazda, the supreme deity.

Explanation: The Chinvat Bridge is a central concept in Zoroastrian eschatology, representing the passage where souls undergo judgment based on their earthly deeds.

Explanation: Frashokereti denotes the Zoroastrian belief in the ultimate renovation of the world, a process culminating in the triumph of good over evil.

Explanation: 'Behdini' translates to 'followers of the good religion' and serves as an encompassing term for the community, not specifically for the hereditary priesthood.

Explanation: The Kushti is a sacred cord, typically worn around the waist, along with the Sudre (sacred shirt), as part of the Navjote initiation.

Explanation: Dogs are considered significant in Parsi funeral rituals, believed to possess the ability to perceive death and help purify the space by warding off evil spirits.

Explanation: Abraham Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron coined the term 'Parseeism' in the 1750s, based on the erroneous belief that the Parsis were the only remaining adherents of Zoroastrianism.

Explanation: The Parsi community is primarily affiliated with Zoroastrianism, an ancient monotheistic religion originating in Persia.

Explanation: Parsi identity is generally understood as an ethno-religious designation, encompassing both descent from the original Persian migrants and formal initiation into the Zoroastrian faith.

Explanation: Martin Haug's interpretations were notable for applying a Christian theological perspective, specifically comparing Zoroastrian Yazatas to angels.

Explanation: The Parsi religious doctrine forbids fasting, viewing it as weakening the body, which is considered a transgression.

Explanation: The Navjote ceremony includes the presentation and donning of the Sudre (sacred shirt) and Kushti (sacred cord) as symbols of commitment to the faith.

Explanation: Traditionally, Parsis utilize Towers of Silence (Dakhmas) for the disposal of the deceased, where bodies are exposed to vultures.

Explanation: A significant reduction in vulture populations, particularly in urban areas, has posed challenges to the effectiveness of the traditional Parsi funeral practice of using Towers of Silence.

Explanation: The Shahenshahi calendar is the system followed by the majority of the Parsi community.

Explanation: In Zoroastrianism, 'Asha' is a fundamental concept representing righteousness, truth, and cosmic order.

Explanation: Fire is revered in Zoroastrianism as a sacred symbol representing the divine presence and attributes of Ahura Mazda, the supreme being.

Explanation: Dogs are considered significant in Parsi funeral rituals due to their perceived ability to 'see death' and their role in purifying the space and warding off malevolent entities.

Explanation: Abraham Hyacinthe Anquetil-Duperron coined the term 'Parseeism' under the mistaken assumption that the Parsis constituted the only surviving group of Zoroastrians.

Explanation: Ritualistic fasting is explicitly mentioned as being forbidden in Zoroastrianism, unlike daily prayers, the Navjote ceremony, and worship at Fire Temples, which are core practices.

Explanation: The Chinvat Bridge symbolizes the crucial passage between life and the afterlife, serving as the site for the judgment of souls based on their actions.

Explanation: The 2011 census data for India indicates that the Parsi population at that time was approximately 57,264 individuals.

Explanation: The decline in the Parsi population is primarily attributed to low birth rates and childlessness, rather than high birth rates or increased emigration.

Explanation: While significant communities exist in the Indian subcontinent, sizeable Parsi populations are also found in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and the United States.

Explanation: Parsis in India exhibit high literacy rates and are predominantly urban dwellers, contrary to the assertion of low literacy and rural distribution.

Explanation: Genealogical DNA studies indicate that Parsis are genetically closer to Iranian populations, with admixture from South Asian populations occurring approximately 1,200 years ago.

Explanation: Studies indicate that Parsis generally experience longevity and have a low incidence of smoking-related cancers, but they also show increased rates for specific conditions like certain cancers and genetic disorders.

Explanation: The primary mother tongue of the Parsi community in India is Gujarati, not Hindi.

Explanation: The principal drivers behind the decline in the Parsi population are low birth rates and a high incidence of childlessness, compounded by an aging demographic.

Explanation: The text mentions significant Parsi communities in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, but South Africa is not listed among these locations.

Explanation: According to 2001 data, the Parsi community in India exhibited a high literacy rate, with the majority residing in urban areas and Gujarati as their mother tongue.

Explanation: During the Pahlavi era, there was a concerted effort to foster a connection between Iranian national identity and Zoroastrianism, including encouraging Parsis to reinvest in Iran and adopt Zoroastrian cultural symbols.

Explanation: Bombay emerged as a significant Parsi center from the 1720s due to opportunities provided by the British East India Company, not the Mughal Empire.

Explanation: The British Raj generally held a favorable view of the Parsi community, recognizing their diligence and skills, which facilitated their economic advancement and integration.

Explanation: Rustom Maneck Seth, as the first broker for the East India Company in Bombay, significantly broadened the occupational and financial prospects for the Parsi community.

Explanation: During the 19th century, the Parsi community played a leading role in India's development across education, industry, and social reform, marked by significant philanthropic activities.

Explanation: The Faravahar symbol is metaphorically linked to the Parsi community's contributions to aviation, particularly their involvement with the Indian Air Force, not naval exploration.

Explanation: Parsis have made substantial and significant contributions to India's industrial sector, with prominent families establishing major enterprises.

Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji was indeed a pivotal figure in the Indian independence movement and holds the distinction of being the first Asian elected to the British Parliament.

Explanation: While Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw is a notable Parsi military figure, the text also mentions other prominent individuals such as Admiral Jal Cursetji and Lieutenant Colonel Ardeshir Burjorji Tarapore.

Explanation: Commercial treaties between the East India Company and Parsis were established earlier, in the early 17th century, facilitating their settlement and trade in company-controlled areas.

Explanation: The majority of the Parsi community opposed the partition of India, reflecting their strong identification with an undivided Indian nation.

Explanation: The Pahlavi dynasty sought to reinforce the link between Iranian identity and Zoroastrianism by encouraging Parsis to return to Iran and by promoting the adoption of Zoroastrian cultural symbols.

Explanation: The British East India Company's presence and the economic opportunities it offered were instrumental in Bombay becoming a major center for the Parsi community from the 1720s onwards.

Explanation: The British Raj generally viewed the Parsi community favorably, recognizing them as diligent, conscientious, and skilled in mercantile activities.

Explanation: In the 19th century, Parsis were notable for accumulating wealth and dedicating substantial resources to philanthropy, contributing significantly to India's development.

Explanation: The Faravahar symbol has been metaphorically associated with the Parsi community's contributions to aviation, particularly their involvement in the Indian Air Force.

Explanation: Jamsetji Tata, a prominent Parsi industrialist, is widely recognized as the 'Father of Indian Industry'.

Explanation: Dadabhai Naoroji, a distinguished Parsi leader, holds the historical distinction of being the first Asian elected to the British Parliament.

Explanation: The majority of the Parsi community expressed opposition to the partition of India, aligning with a broader sense of Indian national identity.

Explanation: The name 'Parsi' originates from the Persian language, signifying their ethnic origin from the Fars province of Iran, and is not derived from a Greek term meaning 'trader'.

Explanation: While both are Zoroastrian communities in India, Parsis and Iranis are distinct, differing in their migration timelines, primary settlement regions, and consequently, certain cultural and linguistic nuances.

Explanation: The Bombay Parsi Panchayet, while initially established to assist Parsis, faced significant criticism for impropriety and nepotism by the mid-19th century, leading to a decline in its authority.

Explanation: The name 'Parsi' is a demonym derived from Persian, signifying the ethnic origin of the community from the Fars province of Iran.

Explanation: The Bombay Parsi Panchayet was established in 1728 primarily to offer assistance to newly arrived Parsis concerning religious, social, legal, and financial matters.