The Parsi reform movement emerged in 19th-century Bombay to modernise Zoroastrian practices by promoting rational religion, women’s education, print culture, and opposition to rigid orthodoxy.

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• Reform Movements by Parsis began in mid-nineteenth century Bombay, shaped by Western education, Christian missionary influence, and growing internal demands for social and religious modernisation.

• Early intellectual awakening occurred through journals like Fam-i-Famshid, edited by Nauroji Furdonji, which defended Zoroastrianism while encouraging rational interpretation of scriptures.

• Print culture expanded reform outreach as periodicals such as Jagat Mitra, Jagat Premi, and Rast Goftar spread ideas on social reform and women’s education.

• The Rahnumai Mazdayasnan Sabha was founded in 1851 with support from K.N. Kama, institutionalising reform debates within the Parsi community.

• The Sabha opposed rigid orthodoxy, excessive rituals, astrology, and priestly dominance, arguing that religion should evolve through reason and social usefulness.

• Reformers strongly advocated women’s education, contributing to higher female literacy and greater social participation among Parsis than most contemporary Indian communities.

• Marriage reforms targeted infant marriage and extravagant ceremonies, promoting consent-based, rational practices aligned with health, economy, and social well-being.