This article first appeared in the The Hindu on June 14, 2024
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The Parsi community is the transition zone between the monotheistic and polytheistic mythologies of West and South Asia. One finds the agiary on the western coast of India, in Mumbai and towns such as Sanjan and Diu in Gujarat. These fire temples of the Zoroastrians, frequented by those who call themselves Parsis or the people of Persia, are distinguished by their unique artwork that evokes memories of ancient Mesopotamia: giant winged bulls with human heads, and birds with human torso and head…