We synthesize zinc bismuth-silicate glasses in the compositional range of xZnO·ySiO₂·yBi₂O₃ (with x = 0, y = 50; x = 10, y = 45; x = 20, y = 40 and x = 30, y = 35 mol % abbreviated as ZSB1−4 respectively) via convenient melt-quench route. The synthesized compositions are investigated for their non-crystalline nature by X-ray diffraction, physical properties by analyzing density, molar volume, oxygen packing density and crystalline volume, thermal properties by analyzing DTA thermographs, structural properties by analyzing Raman and infrared absorption spectra and optical properties by analyzing fundamental absorption edge. Each property signifies a dual role of ZnO in the glass matrix as both network modifier and glass former. The glass characteristic temperatures have been studied at different heating rates and all these were found to increase with heating rate. Raman and FTIR spectra were recorded at room temperature and the analysis depicted that asymmetric and symmetric stretched vibrations of Sisingle bondO bonds in SiO₄ tetrahedral units exist. The optical absorption analysis predicts that the photon assisted indirect electronic transitions are present.