Beyond the Theosophical Paradigm: Ilme ksnum and the Entangled History of Modern Parsis

Errichiello M (2024)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2024

Journal

Journal of Persianate Studies Brill

Book Volume: 10

Pages Range: 1-25

Journal Issue: 1

DOI: 10.1163/18747167-bja10039

Abstract

In the early twentieth century, an esoteric interpretation of Zoroastrianism known as Ilme ksnum became popular among the Parsis of India. Although research on the subject is scant, most scholars suggest that Ilme ksnum draws largely upon the ideas promoted by the Theosophical Society in India. By examining primary sources in Gujarati, the present article illustrates the interpretation of the Zoroastrian cosmology proposed by Ilme ksnum. Through a comparative analysis of its main concepts and terms, Ilme ksnum is historicized in the context of the relations of the Parsi community with the Persianate and Western worlds. By framing Ilme ksnum as a reconciliation between Persianate and Western forms of knowledge, the present article looks at historical entanglements as resources for the Parsi quest for religious authenticity, placing Zoroastrianism in global religious history.

Additional Organisation(s)

Center for Advanced Studies in the Humanities and Social Sciences Alternative Rationalities and Esoteric Practices from a Global Perspective (CAS-E)

Involved external institutions

School of Oriental and African Studies University of London (SOAS) GB United Kingdom (GB)

How to cite

APA:

Errichiello, M. (2024). Beyond the Theosophical Paradigm: Ilme ksnum and the Entangled History of Modern Parsis. Journal of Persianate Studies, 10(1), 1-25. https://doi.org/10.1163/18747167-bja10039

MLA:

Errichiello, Mariano. "Beyond the Theosophical Paradigm: Ilme ksnum and the Entangled History of Modern Parsis." Journal of Persianate Studies 10.1 (2024): 1-25.

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