When the Portuguese established their rule in Bassein (now known as Vasai), they asked the Parsi population along with the other local population to get themselves converted into Christianity by force. The Parsis, in their wisdom, asked for some time and they made arrangements and secretly fled to the hills near Kalyan, outside Portuguese jurisdiction. Even today these hills are known as “Parsik Hills”. The Parsis remained away from Thana for nearly two centuries and only returned to Bassein after the British established their rule. This case is the second most important event in Parsi history after their migration from Iran to India, which was only for the sake of preservation of the religion. Unfortunately, it is not much highlighted and therefore very few Paris are aware of it.
Anyone aware of this part of our history?