The Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla Museum, the only institution in Mumbai dedicated exclusively to the Parsi Zoroastrian community, reopened its doors to the public on March 27, 2025, following extensive restoration and modernization efforts.
A grand reopening ceremony was held at the museum’s historic site within the Kharaghat Complex, attended by notable figures from the Zoroastrian community. The event marked a new cultural chapter and a major milestone for the community.
Originally founded in 1954 by the Bombay Parsi Panchayat, the museum’s recent renovations were funded by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the Panchayat. The museum was first established by Framji Dadabhoy Alpaiwalla, a well-known Parsi merchant and passionate collector of antiquities. His deep fascination with historical objects led him to gather a vast collection—so large that it occupied all 11 rooms of his home, leaving him to sleep in the kitchen.
After his passing in 1951, the responsibility of establishing the museum and preserving the collection was handed over to Jamshed Manek Oonwala—a Mobed, writer, and archaeologist—by the Bombay Parsi Panchayat.
The museum showcases two major collections: one featuring antiquities and handcrafted objects unearthed during archaeological excavations. A standout exhibit is a detailed model of the Mankji Fire Temple, accompanied by the continuous chanting of Avesta prayers. Another section includes ancient pottery, illustrations of pre-Zoroastrian mythology, historical coins, seals from various empires, and rare Iranian relics.
The museum’s library holds a collection of 1,900 books focused on Zoroastrian history and culture. Among its highlights is a map tracing the migration of Zoroastrians from Iran to India, depicting two key phases: the first migration from Khorasan to Sanjan between the 8th and 10th centuries, and the second wave from Yazd and Kerman to Bombay during the 19th century.
Also on display are mock-ups of the west wing staircase of Darius the Great’s palace in Persepolis, which were previously exhibited in London and Delhi and are now permanently housed at the museum.
The museum also houses a collection of traditional Zoroastrian garments, with one of the most remarkable pieces being a 170-year-old silk sari adorned with elephant ivory and intricate peacock designs. This exquisite heirloom, once part of Mr. Jamshedji Jijibhai’s family wardrobe, has been generously donated to the museum.
A section of the exhibit also sheds light on the historic trade connections between the Indian Parsi community and China, showcased through a variety of porcelain vessels, wooden crafts, and ship fragments. To ensure accessibility, all areas of the museum are equipped with specially designed labels and guides for the visually impaired. The museum’s first floor is dedicated to hosting educational workshops, guest lectures, and temporary exhibitions, fostering active engagement with the public.
Serving as a meaningful link between the Zoroastrian past and present, the museum not only preserves heritage but also creates space for cultural learning and dialogue.
