Unraveling the Origins of Parsi Surnames: Poonawala, Batliwala, and More

The Parsi community, known for its rich history and unique cultural heritage, has a fascinating tradition of naming surnames after historical occupations or trades. This practice not only reflects the family's historical roots but also preserves their cultural identity. Among the most common Parsi surnames are Poonawala and Batliwala, which hold significant historical and cultural importance.

The Origins and Meanings of Poonawala and Batliwala

The suffixes Poonawala and Batliwala are prime examples of how Parsi surnames can reveal the historical occupations of a family. The name Poonawala is thought to be derived from the Gujarati word ldquo;Punao,rdquo; which refers to a color. However, the exact origin of the suffix ldquo;Walardquo; in this context is not well-documented. Similarly, the surname Batliwala has its roots in the word ldquo;Batala,rdquo; which refers to a type of grain or flour.

These surnames not only indicate the profession of the family but also help preserve cultural and historical identities within the Parsi community. Even as many individuals may move away from those original trades, the surnames remain as part of their heritage.

Historical Context and Migration of the Parsi Community

The Parsi community has a rich historical background, tracing its origins to Zoroastrian refugees who fled from Muslim persecution in Persia in the 8th century. These refugees, primarily from Greater Khorasan and Rey, migrated to the coastal state of Gujarat in India. Over time, they adopted various surnames, reflecting both their Gujarati origins and their historical occupations.

Many Parsis adopted Gujarat-based surnames like Patel and Gandhi. However, the majority continued to adopt their professions as surnames, leading to names such as Cooper Engineer, Farokh Engineer, ex-Indian cricketer Driver, Mistry, Cyrus Mistry (Chairman of Tata group), Daruwalla, and Toddywalla. These names reflect occupations like construction (Cooper), engineering, and even the trade of liquor (Daruwalla and Toddywalla).

Interestingly, some Parsis adopted surnames based on the cities or towns they were living in. For example, names like Madraswala and Akolawala reflect their residence in cities like Madras (now Chennai) and Akola, respectively.

Bohras and Similar Traditions

It is worth noting that the Bohra community, another major Zoroastrian sect in India, also follows similar naming conventions. Like the Parsis, Bohras adopt surnames reflecting their historical trades or cities, such as Kaanchwala, Daaruwala, Poonawala, and Madraswala. These names serve the same purpose of preserving cultural and historical identities.

For context, Bohras migrated to India from Yemen, much like the Parsis from Persia and Iran.

It is important to recognize that not all Parsis are familiar with or use these naming conventions, which is why it's always good to explain this context when discussing the significance of these surnames.

Conclusion

The Parsi surnames, such as Poonawala and Batliwala, are more than just family names; they are a window into the rich historical and cultural heritage of the Parsi community. These names not only reflect the historical professions of their ancestors but also serve as a means to preserve cultural identity. Whether derived from trades, cities, or other historical contexts, these names continue to hold significance in the daily lives of Parsis.