Most Parsis from Nargol and the surrounding areas held large agricultural properties until the land reforms introduced by the Bombay Tenancy and Agricultural Lands Act in the late 1950s. Under this Act, tenanted land was required to be transferred to existing tenants, albeit at a compensation equivalent to 100 times the annual land tax.

During the British regime, strict legal enforcement and foolproof titles had effectively prevented illegal encroachments and tenant defaults. As a result, many landlords became complacent- visiting their holdings only a few times a year, if at all, and neglecting to maintain proper title papers or maps.

When the Act came into effect, widespread panic and dejection set in ઓહ, આપણું તો બધું ગયું. (“Oh! Everything we own is gone!”). In this emotional state, many failed to realize two crucial facts:

1. No single holding was entirely tenanted.

2. Grasslands were exempt from tenant transfers under the Act.

Feeling helpless as their primary livelihoods disappeared, most Parsis migrated to major cities to seek employment. Over time, former tenants encroached on these retained grasslands; however, the legal land titles remained registered in the names of the original Parsi landlords.

Today, while most of the original owners have passed away, their descendants retain the legal rights to these titles.

The Purpose of This Message

The goal of this write-up is to make descendants aware that there is still an opportunity today to monetize land titles-often referred to as a “paper sale”-where buyers are willing to purchase just the title rights on land records.

Having retired from my business in Mumbai, I now spend most of my days in Nargol engaged in community work. I am frequently approached by prospective buyers interested in purchasing the paper titles of old Parsi lands.

 If you are a descendant of a former Nargol landowner: I will be sharing specific names as buyers approach me. If you recognize a family name, please reach out so I can connect you directly with interested buyers.

 If you know your ancestors owned agricultural land in or around Nargol: Please contact me to verify if any titles exist in your family name.

Hoshang Havewala

Mobile: +91 98200 41374