Endearing colloquial term for male members of
India’s Parsi community. Bawas are followers of the Zoroastrian faith who immigrated to
India from Iran (Persia) in the 7th Century to escape religious persecution. They have maintained a distinct cultural identity ever since, while contributing significantly to
India’s economy, food and cultural diversity. Prominent Bawas include: Sam Manekshaw, Chief of Army Staff; JRD Tata, Indian industrialist and founder of Air
India and the Tata Group; and Homi Bhabha, father of India’s nuclear program and Chairman of the Indian Atomic Energy Commission.