Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia

Dr. Ramiyar Karanjia (b. 1965) is a prominent scholar, author, teacher, and the Principal of the Dadar Athornan Institute, the world’s only Parsi Gurukul dedicated to the education of young Zoroastrian priests. 

He holds a Ph.D. in Avesta-Pahlavi from Bombay University and has pursued post-doctoral research internationally, including at Uppsala University, Heidelberg University, and the University of Zurich. His collaborations with leading scholars and institutions have enriched his knowledge and broadened his impact on the study of Zoroastrianism.

With a passion for Zoroastrian religion, history, and Iranian languages, Dr. Karanjia has made significant contributions to preserving and promoting this ancient heritage through his extensive writings and teachings. His work spans a range of audiences and levels, encompassing engaging children’s books, practical primers for beginners, and in-depth scholarly research, making him a versatile and accessible author in his field.

His authored works include Teach Yourself Avesta Language, a guide for learning Avesta, and A Treasury of Zoroastrian Quotations, which revitalizes Dr. Sir Jivanji Modi’s classic book for a modern audience. He has also explored lesser-known aspects of Zoroastrianism, as seen in The Bāj-dharnā (Drōn Yasht), detailing intricate rituals, and Days of Transition: Parsi Death Rituals, co-authored with Dr. Dorothea Lueddeckens. His recent publications include A Comprehensive History of the Athornan Mandal of Mumbai and the English Tamam Khordeh Avesta, published in 2024.

Writing has been an integral part of his life for nearly three decades. He encourages aspiring authors to find their unique voice and persevere through multiple drafts, as he believes each person’s insights add to the collective knowledge of a subject. His dedication to scholarship and his mission to educate make him a vital figure in the Zoroastrian community and a respected authority on its religious and historical texts.