I am a Bombay-based textile researcher attempting to trace the names and origins of the three Parsi Joshi brothers from Surat. They were said to have sailed to China in the mid-19th century at the instance of Sir Jamshedji Jejeebhoy, Baronet, to learn the technique of "tanchhoi” weaving, a distinct satin silk weave from a Chinese master named Chhoi. Having returned to Surat to practice this art of weaving, the three brothers adopted for themselves the name Chhoi which gave the name "tanchhoi” to those weaves (tan = three + Chhoi). Tanchhoi became a coveted sartorial choice of sari for Parsi ladies.
Weaver Kaikhushro Joshi and advertisement for his silks from Surat
If there are any living descendants of the late Kaikhushro Joshi (son of late Sorabji Mancherji Joshi, 1848-1916), or any living descendants of the families of Marzban Cowasji Naoroji Chhoi or his uncle Ratanji Naoroji Chhoi (1860-1919), I would be most grateful to have an exchange with them about their predecessors. I would prefer this familial connection with their forbears to be verifiable or documented, so that it can shed light on the connection between the Joshis and the Chhois — the original Joshi brothers who took on the name Chhoi, and the predecessors of the last tanchhoi weaver Kaikhushro Joshi who retained the surname Joshi.
By the way, could I ask what occupation was followed by Parsis surnamed "Joshi”?
I may be reached on email or WhatsApp no 9782003672. SHILPA SHAH
shilpapshah@gmail.com