Meher's Parents, Roshan and Fali
This is a photograph Meher took of her parents, Roshan and Fali, before she left India. She remembers taking it using only window light, in her parents' bedroom. She can tell they were dressed up to go somewhere special. Her mom loved wearing pearls and her dad would not be wearing a tie unless he had to.
Meher's Paternal Grandparents, Jehangir and Goola
This is a photograph of Jehangir and Goola, Meher's paternal grandparents who lived in the same house as her while she was growing up. She shared that she was very close to her grandmother especially. She shares: "She was the one who taught me my parsee prayers.
Meher's Maternal Grandparents, Jal and Bakhtavar
This is a colorized photograph of Meher's maternal grandparents, Jal and Bakhtavar. Meher shares: "Jal-pappa passed away the same year I was born, so I didn't really know him, but we used to visit my grandma Bakhtavar on weekends by taking the train to Andheri."
Roshni Rustomji-Kerns's Archival Objects: A Farohar Frame, A Watch Necklace, A Gifted Candle
In this slideshow, you will see:
A Farohar frame Roshni Rustomji-Kerns keeps near and dear to herself. The Farohar is a winged sun disk with a seated figure in the center and is a meaningful symbol from old Persia and in Zoroastrianism represents the guardian angel. In her oral history interview, Roshni shared her strong belief in the guardian angel.
Zoroastrian Daily Prayers Book
The front cover and title page of the Zoroastrian Daily Prayers book printed in Bombay in 1959. In her oral history interview, Roshni Rustomji-Kerns selected this object as one of the things she'd keep in a time capsule. Roshni shared that she uses this book when she wants to or needs to pray or check up some words and for understanding something or the other. She also shared that Mr.
Bhavnagar State Lamp
This is a state lamp gifted to Zenobia Panthaki's great grandfather Phirozshah Damri, who worked during the British Raj and was employed in the Maharaja of Bhavnagar's Private Department. This lamp was gifted to Phirozeshah for his service. Zenobia talks about her family ancestry and history in her oral history interview and talks about Phirozeshah's story.
Silver Vase with Hunting Scene
This is a silver vase that was gifted to Zenobia Panthaki's great grandfather Phirozshah Damri, who worked during the British Raj and was employed in the Maharaja of Bhavnagar's Private Department. This vase was gifted to Phirozeshah by the Maharaja for his service. Zenobia talks about her family ancestry and history in her oral history interview and talks about Phirozeshah's story.