Among the myriad subjects Parsiana has covered, the history and contribution of Parsis to magic has received limited attention. That is why when John Zubrzycki, Sydney-based writer and author of Jadoowallahs, Jugglers and Jinns, A Magical History of India, offered to write on the subject, we were thrilled (see "The Magi and magic," pg 144).
Most Parsi magicians held regular jobs and magic performances were undertaken usually after working hours. The conjurers were all male. Sometimes Parsi women functioned as assistants. The father-daughters team of Mhelly, Pearl and Zenia Bhumgara prove to be the exception. One saw Mhelly and......