Zoroastrian Association

Location

London, W14 9AX
United Kingdom
See map: Google Maps
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Date began: 
31 Oct 1861
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About: 

The Zoroastrian Association was founded in 1861 in Kensington, London. According to Ralph Hinnells it was the first Asian religious association founded in Britain.

Dadabhai Naoroji was the first president, having founded the association with Muncherjee Hormusji Cama. The first meeting was attended by 15 Parsees. Under the presidency of M. M. Bhownaggree, it became the Incorporated Parsee Association of Europe. Various other Parsee organizations formed in Britain as well, such as the Parsee Social Union and the World Zoroastrian Association.

The Zoroastrian Association incorporated a religious, social and welfare role, with educational outreach. It also organized social outings. It oversaw Parsee burials at Brockwood. The Zoroastrian House in Kensington provided facilities as a guesthouse.

Key individuals: 
Dadabhai Naoroji
Mancherjee Merwanjee Bhownaggree
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Secondary works: 

Hinnells, John R. and Ralph, Omar, Bhownaggree Member of Parliament 1895-1906 (London: Hansib, 1995)

Hinnells, John R., Zoroastrians in Britain (Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1996)

Hinnells, John R., Zoroastrians Diaspora: Religion and Migration (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005)

Visram, Rozina, Asians in Britain: 400 Years of History (London: Pluto Press, 2002)