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of the reasons which make it so difficult for people who have not closely studied the history of India to understand the intricate and delicate problems which are constantly presenting themselves in regard to its modern development, is that there are so many different races in the country, each perfectly distinct, with its own religion, language, and traditions, and with no special bond of sympathy or patriotism to draw them all together.

Of these various nationalities, the smallest numerically, though by no means the least interesting, is that of the Parsis. They are found scattered over various parts of Upper India, but chiefly in the Western Presidency, and by far the larger proportion of them live in the city of Bombay itself, where they form the richest and most influential portion of the inhabitants. Their position in India may in many respects be said to be analogous to that of the Jews