AN ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ON ZOROASTRIAN STUDIES 

An Annotated Bibliography on Zoroastrian Studies 

1.       Adabiyyat-e-mazdesna yashtha; comm. by Aga Poure Dawood. Bombay: Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman, 1309 Hj. 408p. (P.D. Marker Avestan Series, Vol. III).

It is in Persian. It provides information on the philosophical ideals of Zoroaster taken from the holy book Avesta. It is mainly based on the motto of the religion: think Good Thought, speak Good Words, act Good Deeds.

Available at IGNCA.

2. AMBASHTHYA (B.P.) (Ed.)

Contributions on Akbar and the Parsees. Patna: Janaki Prakashan, 1976. 177p.

It is based on two articles of J.J. Modi. The Parsees at the court of Akbar and Dastur Meherji Rana and another by R.P. Karkaria, read before the Bombay Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society on various dates in the years A.D. 1896-1903. An effort has been made to present Akbar’s point of view in the field of religion and then to evaluate in this perspective his attitude towards Zoroastrianism.

Available at ASI Library.

3. ANKLESARIA (Behramgore T.)

Holy Gathas of Zarathustra: transliteration and translation in English with Prologues. Bombay: (s.n.), 1953. xxxxv, 257p.

The Gathas are the precious heritage of the Zoroastrians. There are seventeen sacred hymns composed and recited by Holy Zarathustra in the course of his life.

Private Collection.

4. ANKLESARIA (Behramgore T.) (Tr.)

Pahlavi Vendidad (Zand-i-jvit-dev-dat). ed. by Dinshah D. Kapadia. Bombay: Rustam J.J. Modi, 1949. xii, 404p.

Pioneer work of transliteration and translation of Pahlavi version of the Vendidad (Jvit Dev-Dat) in English.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

5. ANKLESARIA (Behramgore T.) (Ed.)

Rivayat-i-hemit-i asavahi – stan. Bombay: K.R. Cama Oriental Institute Publication, 1962.

Contents: V.1. Pahlavi Text

In Pahlavi.

Available at IGNCA.

6. ANKLESARIA (Behramgore Tehmuras)

Zandi Vohuman Yasn and two Pahlavi Fragments : with text, transliteration and translation in English. Bombay: B.T. Anklesaria, 1957. v, 134+viiip.

Written with the help of two manuscripts, k20 of the Library of the University of Copenhagen and D.H. pertaining to the library of Dastur Hoshangji Jamaspji Jamasp Asa, with a transcription of the Pahlavi text with footnotes giving the collations of these texts, and its English translation.

Available at IGNCA.

7. ATURPAT-I-EMETAN

Wisdom of the Sasanian Sages (Denkard VI); tr. by Shaul Shaked. Boulder: Westview Press, 1979. lv, 384p. (Persian Heritage Series/ed. by Ehsan Yarshater; no. 34).

It contains an excellent introduction and an annotated translation of Book VI of the Denkard (the Acts of Religion), an important Zoroastrian work in middle Persian. The Denkard is a large compendium of varied material, totaling about 169,000 words, focusing on a defence of the Mazdayasnian faith and describes the dogma, traditions, customs, history, legends and literature of the Zoroastrians of that period.

Available at IGNCA.

8. Avestan Prayers for the Zarathushtrian Children (In Roman script). 

3rd ed. Bombay: M.M. Karani, 1970. vi, 47p.

Deals with Avesta prayers in Roman script for the use and benefit of children for their preparation for the Navjote ceremony.

Available at IGNCA.

9. BASU (Yogiraja)

Jarathustradharma. Calcutta: Visvabharati Granthalaya, 1960. viii, 52p.

Brief account of the history and basic tenets of Zoroastrian religion: includes biographical sketch of Zarathustra (Zoroaster), the exponent of the religion and selections from the Avesta in Bengali translation.

Available at IGNCA.

10. BEEKES (Robert S.P.)

Grammar of Gatha – Avestan. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1988. xvi, 242p.

Gatha – Avestan is the language of the oldest part of the Avesta, the holy book of Zoroastrianism. It is the language of the Gathas, a number of hymns from Zarathustra himself. The grammar is a historical phonology and morphology, it gives no syntax. Its aim is primarily to present this in a systematic way. The historical treatment gives the development from Proto-Indo-European and is primarily a comparison with Sanskrit.

Available at ASI Library.

11. BHARUCHA (Ervad Sheriarji Dadabhai)

Brief Sketch of the Zoroastrian Religion and Customs. 3rd ed. Bombay: D.B. Taraporevala, 1928. 210p.

Deals with a brief but comprehensive sketch of the Zoroastrian religion. Deals with the founder of Zoroastrianism, Zoroaster, the predecessors of Zoroaster, Zoroastrian scriptures, the character of God as depicted in the Gathas, supreme Godhead of Ahura Mazda, cosmology and psychology, ritual, fire-temples, the Navjote ceremony, Zoroastrian marriage, Zoroastrian funeral, purificatory law. The author also added to its value by giving a number of appendices on various subjects which, no doubt, has made his work one of permanent use not only to strangers to the religion but to the Zoroastrians themselves.

Available at IGNCA.

12. BHATT (Krsnadatta)

Parsi dharma kya kahata hai? 2nd ed. Varanasi: Sarva seva sangha Prakasana, 1965. 64p.: ill. (Dharma kya kahata hai; no. 7).

This book is in Hindi and deals with the comparative study of Vedic Culture and Parsi religion. Also deals with Zoroaster: the Prophet, the Gathas and Avesta literature and the Pahlavi language.

Available at IGNCA.

13. BIANCHI (U), BLEEKER (C.J.) and BAUSANI (A.) (ED.)

Problems and Methods of the History of Religions. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1972. (Studies in the history of religions).

Proceedings of the study conference organised by the Italian Society for the History of Religions held at Rome, 6-8 Dec.;1969. Gherardo Gnoli in his paper "Problems and Prospects of the Studies on Persian Religion" describes the importance of the Persian religion which is dominated by the figure of Zoroaster. Further discusses how God’s power manifests itself in two polarities, through a universal law of production and destruction – the first one positive, Spenta Mainyu, and the other negative, Angra Mainyu. Also highlights the research work in the historical and cultural milieu of primitive Zoroastrianism, in which the Swedish school has particularly distinguished itself. Has the great merit of stressing the complex religious physiognomy of ancient Iran.

Available at IGNCA.

14. BLEEKER (C. Jonco) and WIDENGREN (Geo) (Ed.)

Historia Religionum : hand book for the history of religions. 2V. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1988.

Presents the religions of the world. In V.2 the chapter "Zoroastrianism" by Mary Boyce describes the essence of the religion, its historical development, conception of the deity, worship, ethics, doctrine, the conception of man, present religious situation.

Available at IGNCA.

15. BOCOCK (Robert) and THOMPSOM (Kenneth) (Ed.)

Religion and Ideology: a Reader. Manchester: Manchester University Press, 1985. vii, 320p.

Collected papers on the sociology of belief, religion and social control, religion as social cement, religion and resistance, metaphysical conception of God and of the world. Deals with comparative religion of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism and Christianity.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

16. BODE (Framroze Ardeshir) and NANAVUTTY (Piloo) (Tr.)

Songs of Zarathushtra: the Gathas translated from the Avesta. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1952. 127p. (Ethical and Religious Classics of East and West; no. 6).

Deals with the Gathas of Zarathushtra stressing their symbolic meaning. The translation is to be updated in the light of contemporary research.

Available at IGNCA.

17. BOYCE (Mary)

History of Zoroastrianism. 3V. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1991. (Handbuch Der Orientalistik/B. Spuler).

Content: V.1 The early period. V.2 Under the Achamenians. V.3 Zoroastrianism under Macedonian and Roman rule/Mary Boyce and Frantz Grenet.

Covers the period of Zoroastrian history from the fourth century B.C. to the fourth century A.D.

Available at IGNCA.

18. BOYCE (Mary)

On the Antiquity of Zoroastrian Apocalyptic. Bulletin of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. 47(Pt. 1);1984. 56-78.

Deals with the genesis of Zoroastrinism. It also further describes that Zoroastrinism is in fact the archetypal millenarian faith, to which most subsequent millenarian movements may well owe a historical debt. With necessary approximate dates of the history of Zoroastrian apocalyptic is also worked out in a tabular form.

Available at IGNCA.

19. BOYCE (Mary)

Persian Stronghold of Zoroastrianism: based on the Ratanbai Katrak Lectures, 1975. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1977. ix, 284p:ill.

It is based on six lectures given in 1975 in the series of Ratanbai Katrak Lectures founded at Oxford in memory of his wife by the late Dr. Nanabhai Nauroji Katrak. Deals with the social life, culture, festivals of Zoaoastrians of Sharifabad-e Ardekan, a little village at the northern end of the Yazdi plain.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

20. BOYCE (Mary)

Zoroastrians: their Religious Beliefs and Practices. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1979. xxi, 252p: ill.

It is the first to attempt to trace the continuous history of the faith from the time it was preached by Zoroaster down to the present day-a span of about 3,500 years. First taught among nomads on the Asian steppes, Zoroastrianism became the state religion of the three great Iranian empires (Achaemenian, Arsacid and Sassanian, sixth century B.C. to seventh century A.D.); and because of its lofty character, and the dominant position of Iran between the Greco-Roman world and Asia, it had a remarkable influence on other world faiths: to the east on northern Buddhism, to the west on later Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

21. CARNOY (A.J.)

Religion of Ancient Persia. London: Catholic Truth Society, 1947. 28p. (Studies in comparative Religion; no. 11).

Gives brief historical information about the early religion of Iran, the sacred book of the Zoroastrians, the so-called Zend-Avesta, in the Avestic language, completed in the Zoroastrian literature of the Pahlavi or middle Persian dialect.

Available at IGNCA.

22. CHATTERJI (Jatindra Mohan)

Atharvan Zarathustra: the Foremost Prophet. Calcutta: Parsi Zoroastrain Association, 1971. xvi, 250p.

Deals with comparative study of Hinduism, Zoroastrianism and Islam. Also deals in detail with the philological comparisions of the Rigveda and the Gathas.

Available at IGNCA.

23. CHATTERJEE (Jatindra Mohan)

Ethical Conceptions of the Gathas. Navsari: Cherag office, 1932. 532p.

Deals with comparative religion of Hinduism and Parsi-ism (Zoroastrianism). Mazda-Yasna and Vishnu-Yajna are the two eyes of the Aryan culture, no one of them being more important than the other, and both of them being equally useful to the whole. The author compares Ahura worship to the Asura worship as inculcated in the Rigveda.

Available at IGNCA.

24. CHATTERJEE (Jatindra Mohan)

Gatha: athava jarathustra Upanisat. Calcutta: Bharat Prakashan Bhavan, 1964. 302p.

In Bengali. Deals with comparative study of Hinduism and the religion of Zarathushtra, the Prophet of Iran. It is a comparative study of religious philosphy of India and Iran. It is an exposition of the philosophy of Mazda-Yasna. It is also a translation of the hymns of Atharvan Zarathushtra. The Gatha is the oldest portion of the Yasna (Yajna) section of the Avesta, and being the composition of Zarathushtra himself, is also the most sacred portion.

Available at IGNCA.

25. CHATTERJEE (Jatindra Mohan)

Gathas or the Hymns of Atharvan Zarathushtra; Gujarati tr. by Ardeshir N. Bilimoria. Navsari: Cherag Office, 1932. 400p.

Text in Brahmi script, Prose order in Sanskrit, translation in English and Gujarati. The Gathas represent one phase of the Aryan culture and a very typical one, viz., Bhakti-Yoga.

Available at IGNCA.

26. CHATTERJI (Jatindra Mohan)

Gospel of Zarathushtra in the words of Maulana Jalal-ud-din Rumi. Calcutta: The Parsi Zoroastrian Association, 1972. 214p.

Valuable addition to the study of comparative religion between Islam, Hinduism and Zoroastrianism. The two works, taken together, demonstrate the continuity between the gospel of Zarathushtra and the tenets of Sufism as revealed in the mystic poems of Jalal-ud-din Rumi. This comparative study of the Masnavi and the gospel of Zarathushtra shows that Rumi’s Sufism was really of Pre-Islamic Iranian origin. Sufism is described by Rumi himself as the "Elixir of Khizr". The author takes this statement to mean that Sufism is "the lore of the Chishtis handed down by generations of saints". He says, "Jalal did not invent Sufism; he had simply inherited it from the Chishtis".

Available at IGNCA.

27. CHATTERJEE (Jatindra Mohan)

Hymns of Atharvan Zarathushtra. Calcutta: Parsi Zoroastrain Association, 1967. 839p.

Deals with the comparative study of Vedic culture and religion of Zarathushtra. Compares also Vedic and Avestan literature. Avesta comprises four Samhitas or collections of hymns, the chief of which is called by the name of Yasna. Seventeen hymns of this Samhita are usually designated as Gatha.

Available at IGNCA.

28. CHATTERJEE (Jatindra Mohan)

Visnu and Mazda. Calcutta: Bharat Prakash Bhavan, (n.d.). 90p.

The Sufi cult became very popular in Iran and continued to be so even after the advent of Islam. Islam adopted Sufism as its inner truth. The Sufi cult teaches that Mazda is God of love and is accessible through love.

Available at IGNCA.

29. CHATTOPADHYAYA (Kshetresh Chandra)

Studies in Vedic and Indo-Iranian Religion and Literature; ed. By Vidya Niwas Misra. 2v. Varanasi: Bharatiya Vidya Prakashan, 1976. Variant Pagination.

Divided into 4 chapters in which first three relate to Vedic. Only Chapter fourth deals with Indo-Iranian studies. Covers the comparative study with Vedic literature, traditional date of Zarathustra, religious reform of Zarathushtra, Mithra worship in Zoroastrianism.

Available at IGNCA.

30. Convention of Religions in India. Delhi: Bimla Publishing House, 1982.

Contains the proceedings of the first convention of religions in India which was held at Calcutta in 1909. In this convention two papers are on Zoroastrianism by J.J. Modi and D.M. Madan, deals with the ancient Persians and their effects on the West and on the East.

Available at IGNCA.

31. CUMONT (Franz)

Mysteries of Mithra; tr. from the French edition by Thomas J. McCormack. New York: Dover Publications, 1956. xiv, 239p.:ill., map.

Deals with the origin and history of the Mithraic religion.

Available at National Museum Library, New Delhi.

32. DADACHANJI (F.K.)

Parsis – Ancient and Modern: never before has so much been achieved by so few. Karachi: (s.n.), 1980. 184p. (paperback).

Provides a brief description of each dynasty of Iranian history. Thought content is divided into two parts. Part I is History of Iran i.e. history proper and Part II is modern times. However, it can’t be called history in true sense, becasue no proper running historical records of the first eight or nine centuries exist and it is therefore titled "A record of outstanding achievements of a microscopic community". It is primarily meant for Parsis – particularly the Karachi Parsis and their student community.

Available at IGNCA.

33. DARMESTETER (James) (Tr.)

Zend-Avesta. 3V. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1965. (Sacred books of the East series / ed. by F. Max Muller ; Vol. 4,23,31).

Content : Pt.1 Vendidad. Pt.2 Sirozahs, Yasts and Nyayis. Pt.3 Yasna, Visparad, Afrinagan, Gahs and miscellaneous fragments/ tr. by L.H. Mills.

Available at IGNCA.

34. DASTUR (Maneckshaw Navroji)

Moral and ethical teachings of Zarathushtra. Bombay: F.M. Dastur, 1928. xix, 143p.

Deals only with the teachings as expressed by some particular terms which have a broad moral significance and which are well known even to the lay public. There are, however, many other noteworthy moral teachings of Zarathushtra which one comes across in the Parsi religious literature, and they are to be found not in certain words, but in sentences and paragraphs. The latter are also important but not covered in this work. Covers Avestan literature in the matter of the moral teachings of Zarathushtra under the following heads. 1. Conception of God. 2. Spirit of Good. 3. Spirit of evil and origin of evil. 4. Self of man. 5. Duties of man. 6. Aim of man. 7. On tha Amesha Spentas (Archangels). 8. On the Yazatas (Angels).

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

35. DAVAR (Firoze Cowasji)

Iran and its Culture. Bombay: New Book Co., 1953. xii, 492p.

It gives the idea of the history, religion, philosophy, literature, art, the geographical environment, the social conditions and national character of ancient, mediaeval and modern Iran. Deals with the Avestan literature, Zoroastrian heresies and comparison with the Vedas, Sufism etc.

Available at IGNCA.

36. DAVAR (Firoze Cowasji)

Vision of Zarathushtra; tr. by B.I. Taraporewala. Bombay: Hukhta Foundation, 1997. xv, 223p.

Translated from the Gujarati original ‘Zarathushtra darshan’. Deals with Parsi religion, its origin, history, language, literature, the age of Zarathushtra, his life, essence of Zoroastrian religion, status of fire in the religion and Zoroatrian faith etc.

Available at IGNCA.

37. DAVOUD (Poure)

Introduction to the Holy Gathas; tr. By D.J. Irani. Bombay: Iranian Zoroastrian Anjuman, 1927 (P.D. Marker Avestan Series; Vol.1).

Pioneer work in the Persian language. The Holy Gathas are translated into modern Persian. Deals with Zarathushtra and the Avesta, history of Avestan studies, Zarathushtra and the Jewish prophets, the Avestan script Din Dabireh, the Sassanian scripts, the Avestan language and texts such as Yasna, Visparad, Vendidad, Yashts, Khordeh Avesta, Niyashes, the Siruze and the Afringans, Gathas, the religion of Zarathushtra.

Available at IGNCA.

38. DESAI (Bejon N.) and KHAN (Roni K.)

Homage unto Asho Zarathushtra. Nashik: Navaz Publications, 1993. xxviii, 201p.

Deals with the prayers for the Mazdayasni – Zarathushtri community. Divided into three sections i.e. devotional exercise, the seven pillars and selections from ‘Khordeh Avesta’. Transliterated in Devanagari and Roman script.

Available at IGNCA.

39. DESAI (Minoo Burjorji)

Sant Dasturji Kukadaru; tr. by Marzban J. Giara. Bombay: Marzban J. Giara, 1993. 28p.

Among the famous Dasturs of the Parsees in the latter half of the 19th century, the late Dasturji Jamshedji Sorabji occupies an important place. He is well known and respected among the Parsi community for decades by his surname as Dasturji Kukadaru. Dasturji Kukadaru was the last Dasturji who gave a glimpse of the name "Dastur".

The Parsi community will for ages revere his memory with respect and gratitute for his high degree of piety, ability to perform miracles and his spiritually advanced status.

Available at IGNCA.

40. DHABHAR (Ervad Bamanji Nusserwanji) (Tr)

Translation of Zand-i Khurtak Avistak. Bombay: K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, 1963. vii, 476p.

Contains Pahlavi versions of the Avestan prayers as contained in the Khordeh Avesta. While translating the text the author added very exhaustive footnotes showing the meaning of each important word used in the text, giving references to other Pahlavi texts wherein the word was used.

Available at IGNCA.

41. DHALLA (Homi B.)

Avestan View of Ecology. Bombay: K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, 1991. 7p.

This is an Exhibition note for "Parasika".

Available at IGNCA.

42. DHALLA (Maneckji Nusservnji)

History of Zoroastrianism. 3rd ed. Bombay: K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, 1994. xxxiv, 525p.

Deals with different periods of ancient Iranian history: Pre-gathic, Gathic, Avestan, Pahlavi etc. Also describes the prayers, rituals and Zoroastrian theology together with the Zrvan heresy.

Available at IGNCA.

43. DHALLA (Maneckji Nusservanji) (Ed. and Tr.)

Nyaishes or Zoroastrian Litanies: Avestan text with the Pahlavi, Sanskrit, Persian and Gujarati versions. Pt. 1. New York: Columbia University Press, 1908. xxii, 235p. (Columbia University Indo-Iranian Series/ed. by A.V. Williams Jackson; Vol. 6).

Contents: Pt. 1. Khordah Avesta.

The Nyaishes or Zoroastrian litanies are a collection of five short prayers or ascriptions of praise addressed to the Sun, Moon, Water and Fire and to the Angels Khurshed, Mihr, Mah, Ardvisur and Atash. They are composed of fragments taken from the Yasna and Yashts which are found in the Greater Avesta and they form an important part of the Khordeh Avesta. Like the greater part of the Avesta, the original Avestan Nyaishes were rendered into Pahlavi (about 700-900 A.D.), later into Sanskrit (1,200 A.D.), into Persian (1,600-1,800 A.D.) and lastly into Gujarati (1,818 A.D.). In this work transliteration of several texts is given on one side and on the opposite page the translation of each into English. The complete Pahlavi text is collated and edited here for the first time.

Available at IGNCA.

44. DHALLA (Maneckji Nusservanji)

Zoroastrian Civilization: from the earliest times to the downfall of the last Zoroastrian Empire 651 A.D. New York: Oxford University Press, 1922 xxviii, 395p.

Deals with ancient history from the beginning of the first prehistoric Pishdadian dynasty to the downfall of the last Zoroastrian Empire. The mighty empires of the ancient Persians covered a vast portion of Ahura Mazda’s earth and included nearly all civilized nations. Three thousand years and more before the present day Zarathushtra, the prophet of Persia preached his excellent religion which has so greatly enriched the religious thought of the world. Zoroastrian Persia played the part of intermediary between East and West for several centuries, and her people enjoyed an importance quite unique in the world’s history, from about 1,000 B.C. to the seventh century A.D., when their vast empire vanished. Covers the following periods – 1. The Pishdadian Period. 2. The Kianian Period. 3. The Median Period. 4. The Achaemenian Period. 5. The Period of Stagnation. 6. The Sasanian Period. Also deals with the cultural movements of the different periods.

Available at IGNCA.

45. du BREUIL (Paul)

Zoroastrisme. Paris: Presses Universitaires de France, 1982. (Que Sais-je).

Original French.

Private Collection.

46. du BREUIL (Paul)

Des Dieux De L’ancien Iran Aux Saints Du Bouddhisme, Du Christianisme et De L’islam. Paris: Dervy-Livres, 1989. 135p.

Original French.

Private Collection.

47. DUCHESNE-GUILLEMIN (Jacques)

Hymns of Zarathustra: being a translation of the Gathas together with introduction and commentary by Jacques Duchesne – Guillemin; tr. from the French by M. Henning. Reprint. London: John Murray, 1992. 162p. (Wisdom of the East Series).

It is a serious attempt by a distinguished modern scholar to translate into a Western language the traditional hymns of Zoroaster, so to reproduce as nearly as possible the words which Zarathustra actually spoke. The French version and commentary have appeared as part of a book "Zoroastre, essai critique avec une traduciton commentee des gathas, Paris: G.P. Maisonneuve, 1948."

Available at IGNCA.

48. DUCHESNE GUILLEMIN (Jacques)

Religion of Ancient Iran; tr. from the original French by K.M. JamaspAsa. Bombay: Tata Press, 1973. v, 271p.

The plan and scope of this book is truly vast. With a balanced judgement the author outlines comtemporary beliefs (disputed or accepted) and ritual practices not generally known even to Parsi laymen. Deals with the history, texts, practices, origin of Zarathustra, Achaemenian, Parthian, Sasanian and Islamic empires, relations between Zoroastrianism and other religions.

Available at IGNCA.

49. DUCHESNE GUILLEMIN (Jacques)

Symbols and Values in Zoroastrianism: their survival and renwal. New York: Harper Torchbook, 1966. vii, 175p: ill.

Deals with the georgraphical and historical sketch of the Parsis, their living tradition, rituals, beliefs and customs, ethics, about Ahura Mazda, the God. Also gives comparative study with Islam, Hinduism and Sufism. The Parsis give their customs and beliefs a symbolic meaning.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

50. DUCHESNE-GUILLEMIN (Jacques)

Zoroastre: etude critique avec une traduction commente des Gathas. Paris: G.P. Maisonneuve, 1948. 301p. (Les Dieux et les Hommes; Vol.2).

A critical study with translation and commentry of the Gathas in French.

Available at IGNCA.

51. DUPERRON (M. Anquetil) (Tr.)

Zend – Avesta: ouvrage de Zoroastra. 2v. Paris: Chez N. M. Tilliard, 1771.

Original French. Volume I, part I contains the narration of the author’s travels in India, especially an account of the manner in which he acquired manuscripts of Zoroastrian scriptures and learnt Avestic and Pahlvi language from Dasturs in Surat, in 1,759-61 A.D.

Volume I, part II contains the description of manuscripts brought back to Paris and a French translation of Yasht, Vispered, Vendidad.

Volume II contains the French translation of several Yashts, Bundahishn etc. a vocabulary of Avestic-Pehlvi-French and an exposition on the religious and civil customs of the Parsees in the18th century.

Available at IGNCA.

52. DURRANY (K.S.)

Religion in Society: Select Indian Press Index of Comparative Religion. New Delhi: Uppal Publishing, 1983. xxi, 315p.

Index clearly reflects the role and functions of religion in society, particularly religion in Indian society. The author has indentified all world religions except the religions of China and Japan. It also covers Zoroastrianism.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

53. DUTT (Chinmay)

Selections from Avesta and old Persian: Texts, Grammatical notes and Indices. Calcutta: World Press, 1973. xxiii, 251p.

Provides a reliable and well equipped document for selected texts from Avesta and Old Persian Cuneiform Inscriptions. This book furnishes in convenient form some materials for those beginning to study Ancient Iranian languages.

Available at IGNCA.

54. EDULJEE (H.E.)

Kisseh-i-Sanjan. Bombay: K.R. Cama Oriental Institute, 1991. iii, 197p: ill.

It is the oldest written document of the Parsis in India. It was written by Bahman Kaikobad of Navsari in 969 AY (1,600 A.D.) in Persian verse. It has been translated several times into Gujarati and English and was much better known to the Parsis 70-80 years ago, when it played vital part in some of the controversies that then agitated the community.

Available at IGNCA.

55. ELIADE (Mircea)

History of religious ideas : from the stone age to the Eleusinian mysteries; tr. By Willard R. Trask. V.1. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 1978.

Translation of French text "Histoire des Croyances et des idees religieuses. V.1: De lage de la pierre aux mysteres d Eleusis". It describes the life of Zarathustra, its history and myth.

Available at IGNCA.

56. Famous Parsis: biographical and critical sketches of Patriots, Philanthropists, politicians, reformers, scholars and captains of Industry. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 1990. viii, 488p: ill.

Gives biographical sketches of eminent Muslims and Indian Christians. Includes lives and careers of 14 Parsis with photographs i.e. Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, Framji Cowasji Banaji, Naoroji Ferdoonji, Byramjee Jejeebhoy, Sir Dinshaw Manockjee Petit, Sorabji Shapurji Bengalli, Dadabhai Naoroji, K.R. Cama, J.N. Tata, Sir Dinshaw Edulji Wacha, Sir Pherozeshah Mehta, Behramji M. Malabari, Sir Jivanji Jamshedji Modi and Sir M.M. Bhownaggree.

Available at IGNCA.

57. GAER (Joseph)

How the Great Religions Began. New York: The New American Library, 1956. 240p. ill.

Deals with a comprehensive sketch of the Zoroastrian religion and its founder, Zoroaster.

Available at IGNCA.

58. GELDNER (Karl F.) (Ed.)

Avesta : the sacred books of the Parsis. 3V. Delhi: Parimal Publications, 1991.

Contents : Pt. 1. Yasna. Pt. II. Vispered : Khorda Avesta. Pt. III. Vendidad.

Originally published in 1886. This is a revised version of Westergaard’s edition of the Avesta and is compiled with the help of many manuscripts.

Available at IGNCA.

59. GERSHEVITCH (Ilya) (Tr.)

Avestan Hymn to Mithra. Cambridge: The University Press, 1959. xv, 357p (University of Cambridge Oriental Publications; no. 4).

The interest in Mithras is so great that one would expect the ancient Zoroastrian hymn in praise of his Iranian forbear Mithra to range, in translation, among the more widely known literary products of antiquity. Mithra is the god of the treaty, more especially of the international treaty. Yet the hymn which reveals the character of the god is all but unknown outside specialist circles. The importance of the hymn for Mithraic studies is not yet generally appreciated, it is because the few experts who have scrutinized it have made only selective use of the information it provides. The poem has been treated as if it were a secondary source, out of which each student of Mithra need consider only such data as seemed relevant to his own notion of the god. No attempt has been made to approach every part of the hymn as a meaningful record of Mithra’s character, and the whole poem as a consistent description of a single, well-defined god. To encourage such attempts is the prime purpose of this book.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

60. GNOLI (Gherardo)

Zoroaster’s Time and Homeland: a study on the origins of Mazdeism and related problems. Naples: Istituto Universitario Orientale, 1980. xxiii, 279p.: map. (Seminario Di Studi Asiatici, Series Minor; VII).

Deals with the problems of the absolute chronology of Zoroaster and his homeland. Also deals with the historical study, especially Avestan, of the figure of Zoroaster and his work, the Gathas. Also gives a brief sketch of the historical development of Zoroastrianism in the light of the results proposed concerning the questions of its founder’s homeland and his time, in order to make it clear on some fundamental problems connected with the historical perspective of the studies of the religious world of pre-Islamic Iran.

Available at ASI Library.

61. GREENLEES (Duncon) (Ed. and Tr.)

Gospel of Zarathushtra: Good Thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds. Adyar: Theosophical Publishing, 1951. cxi, 301p. (World Gospel Series; no. 5).

Based on arranged texts from the Avesta with a new rendering of the Gathas, held to be original scriptures of the great Prophet of Iran, with a brief introduction on the life and work of the Prophet.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

62. HARTMAN (Sven S.)

Parsiism: the Religion of Zoroaster. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1980. xii, 30p.: ill. (Iconography of Religions; no. XIV, 4).

Deals with the full historical development from the earliest times to the present.

Available at IGNCA.

63. HAUG (Martin) (Ed.)

An old Zand-Pahlavi Glossary; tr. by Dastur Hoshengji Jamaspji. Osnabruck: Biblio Verlag, 1973. LVI, 132p.

It is a reprint edition of 1867. It was originally prepared from several works of the same nature for the use of the students of the Pahlavi language.

Available at ASI Library.

64. HAUG (Martin)

Essays on the Sacred Language, Writings and Religion of the Parsis; ed. By E.W. West. 2nd ed. London: Trubner, 1878. xvi, 427p.

It is a comprehensive work on the Zoroastrian religion. Divided into four essays – deals with 1. History of the researches into the sacred writings and religion of the Parsis 2. Language of the Parsi scriptures 3. The Zend-Avesta, or the scripture of the Parsis 4. The Zoroastrian religion as to its origin and development. Also presents Sanskrit and Avesta sounds. These deviations from present systems have been made for the sake of the general reader, who can hardly be expected to pronounce words correctly unless they are spelt in accordance with the usual sounds of the letters in English.

Available at IGNCA.

65. HINNELLS (John R.)

Zoroastrianism and the Parsis. London: Ward Lock Educational, 1981. 80p.: ill.

Deals with the growth of the Zoroastrian religion, its teachings, its daily life. It is concerned mainly with its living form, especially with the Parsis in India.

Available at IGNCA.

66. HINTZE (Almut)

Zamyad Yast: Introduction, Avestan Text, Translation, Glossary. Wiesbaden: Dr. Ludwig Reichert Verlag, 1994. 56p. (Iranische Texte – Herausgegeben von Georges Redard, Heft 7).

The Zamyad Yast is a hymn that forms part of the corpus text called the Avesta, the holy texts of the Mazdayasnians, who follow the religion founded by their prophet, Zarathushtra. The language of these texts is an old North-East Iranian dialect of which, however, no documents outside the Avesta have been preserved. This Yasht contains interesting material on the soul’s journey after death.

Available at IGNCA.

67. HOLM (Jean)

Keyguide to Information Sources on World Religions. London: Mansell, 1991. pp. 213-215.

Indicates the nature and range of the reference material available for the study of world religions. Divided in three parts. Part I deals with a brief introduction to the development and scope of the study of religions. Part II is an annotated bibliography of sources. Part III is a directory of institutions and organisations.

Available at IGNCA.

68. INSLER (S.)

Gathas of Zarathustra. Leiden: E.J. Brill, 1975. 387p. (Acta Iranica. 3rd Series).

The collection of Gathas or Songs of Zarathustra is the most important work of ancient Iranian literature for both linguist and historian of religions, since this text contains the oldest form of any known Iranian language and the only poetic compositions in it.

Private Collection.

69. International Congress on Indo-Iranian Historical and Cultural Studies at K.R. Cama Oriental Institute from 5th to 8th January;1989.

K.R. Cama Oriental Institute is the store house of the literature related to Zoroastrianism. A varied group of Indo-Iranian scholars from India and abroad gathered for the first International Congress on Indo-Iranian subjects. These are the proceedings of this conference. The theme of the conference was Indo-Iranian Historical and Cultural Studies. All the papers naturally revolve around it though the participants are from various disciplines such as linguistics, history, archaeology etc. All of them contributed in their respective fields within the framework of the Conference theme.

Available at IGNCA.

70. IRANI (D.J.)

Divine Songs of Zarathushtra. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1924. 79p.

One of the most important facts in the history of religion is the reform brought about by Zarathushtra. Zarashushtra was the greatest of all the pioneer prophets who showed the path of freedom to men, the freedom of moral choice, the freedom from blind obedience to unmeaningful injunctions, freedom from the multiplicity of shrines which draw our worship away from the single-minded chastity of devotion. Zarathushtra was a complete monotheist. He further recognises that the Supreme Being, the Universal Soul, was and is the source of all perfect attributes. Six of such divine attributes he refers to in his writings are : 1. The Spirit of the Good Mind (Vohu Mano). 2. The Spirit of Truth and Right (Asha). 3. The Spirit of Holy Sovereignty (Khashtra). 4. The Spirit of Benevolent Devotion and Love. (Spenta Armaiti). 5. The Spirit of Perfection and Healthful well being (Haurvatat). 6. The Spirit of Immortality (Ameretat). The translation needs to be updated in the light of recent research.

Available at IGNCA.

71. JACKSON (A.V. Williams)

Zoroaster: the Prophet of Ancient Iran. London: Macmillan, 1899. xxiii, 312p.: ill., map.

Deals with the life and legend of Zoroaster, the Prophet of Ancient Iran. It is a biographical study based on traditions, history and the purpose is to present the picture of Zoroaster in its historic light. Still considered the most authoritative life of the Prophet. (Repint-New York, 1962).

Available at IGNCA.

72. JACKSON (A.V. Williams)

Zoroastrian Studies: the Iranian Religion and Various Monographs. New York: AMS Press, 1965. xxxiii, 325p. (Columbia University Indo-Iranian series; Vol. 12).

It is divided into three Parts. Part 1 deals with the Iranian religion. Part 2 deals with the Zoroastrian doctrine of the freedom of the Will. Part 3 deals with miscellaneous Zoroastrian Studies.

Available at National Museum Library, New Delhi.

73. JAFAREY (Ali A.) (Tr.)

Gathas our Guide: the Thought – Provoking Divine Songs of Zarathushtra. USA: Ushta Publications, 1989. 124p.

Deals with seventeen songs composed by Asho Zarathushtra Spitama. He wanted to deliver an ever-fresh message. It had to be concise and precise. He has given his message in a poetic language because a poetic piece is easily and correctly memorized and transmitted. The Gathas are a coherent collection. Each stanza is a pearl in a cord of song, and each cord of song is a part of a necklace of the divine, complete poetic works. This is what Zarathushtra wanted to leave for his present and the future – a thought – provoking message. Not an exact translation.

Available at IGNCA.

74. JAMASPASA (Peshotan Dastur Jamshedji)

Varnehade Avesta: Avesta Writing. 2nd ed. Bombay: Dastur Dr. H.K. Mirza, 1990. xx, 148p: ill.

First published in a lithograph edition at Bombay in 1846. It is reproduced in this second enlarged edition in its original form with English translation, explanatory notes on allied subjects, glossary of select Gujarati words used in the book and nine plates illustrating and explaining ancient and middle Iranian scripts. It contains Avesta alphabet, primary Avesta prayers, Avesta words and phrases for exercise in reading and writing, names of days, months, Gathas, Gahs – all in Avesta script with transcription in Gujarati script as they were pronounced in the time of the author. The author gives also the old modes of writing Avesta characters in Avesta script as they were preserved respectively in India and Iran. These old modes seem to be groupings of similarly shaped and similarly pronounced Avesta letters, as they were found in some old manuscripts of Avesta and of Persian Rivayats. It also contains phonetic notes which are found nowhere else in Zoroastrian writings. This shows that phonetic studies were in vogue among Zoroastrian priests of India up to the middle of the last century.

Available at IGNCA.

75. JAMES (E.O.)

Comparative Religion. 2nd ed. London: Methuen, 1961. vii, 334p.

First published in 1938. Deals with the origin and development of religion in the light of evolutionary thought. Gives comparative study of the world religions in the field of myth and ritual, discusses birth, naming, marriage, death, annual festivals, ritual purification, oriental theism, the way of salvation, monotheism, sin and atonement, sacrifice and sacrament, worship and prayer, immortality.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

76. JEFFERY (Arthur)

Al-Biruni’s Contribution to Comparative Religion. In Al-Biruni commemoration volume A.H. 362-A.H. 1362. Calcutta: Iran Society, 1951. xiii, 303p.

Al-Biruni writes down his observations on religions, customs and beliefs. He adopted a comparative method which was based on original and reliable information. Prof. Arthur Jeffery summarizes the information given by Al-Biruni on the great religions of the world and some sects of his days: Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Manichaism, the Greek religion, Judaism etc.

Available at ASI Library.

77. JEJEEBHOY (Sorabjee Jamsetjee) (Tr.)

Tohfa-i-Jamsheed: being a translation in Goozratee of a Persian treatise entitled Kileed-i-Danesh. Bombay: Sir Jamsetjee Jejeebhoy, 1848. 169p.

Original Gujarati.

Available at IGNCA.

78. JENNINGS (Hargrave)

Indian Religions. Delhi: Indian India, 1975. xii, 267p.

Deals with the comparative study of the Indian religions. Gives brief historical descriptions of the religions of India. The author thinks Buddhism is the foundation of all the religions of India. Discusses Fire-worship, myths, soul, philosophical views etc. Mainly discusses Buddhism, Hinduism, Christianity. But in brief also discusses Zoroaster, the founder of the Persian ethics, and the advocate of Fire-worship which is not accepted by Zoroastrians.

Available at Central Arts Library, Delhi University.

79. JHABVALA (S.H.)

Catechism on Zoroastrianism: pt. I and II. 3rd ed. Bombay: S.H. Jhabvala, 1946. 71p.

Deals with a general conception of Zarathushtra’s theory which passed into the faith that he preached. It is a brief exposition of his life and creed.

Available at IGNCA.

80. JHABVALA (S.H.)

Prince of Light: a Poem Depicting the Life and Teachings of Zarathushtra. Bombay: Karnatak Publishing, 1945. 30p.

Deals with the life of Zarathushtra in a poetic form and depicting his teachings to reflect light, and to carry the message of his wisdom in the shaping and reconstruction of a new world that is being born. According to the author, Zarathushtra is light which gives birth to life, and to joy because light is knowledge, light is science, light is wisdom.

Available at IGNCA.

81. JHABVALA (Yasmine)

Vers Ahura Mazda. Berne: Peter Lang., 1992. 214p. (Publications Universitaires Europeennes: Ser. 27, Etudes Asiatiques et Africaines; Vol. 29.).

Original French. This is a study of Gathic concepts in their relationship to one another.

Private Collection.