Jews and Kerala

Some records say the first Jews sailed to South India on the ships of King Solomon; others say they came during the Babylonian exile; others that they fled to Malabar after the destruction of the Second Temple; and others refer to a fourth-century migration from Majorca.

Synagogue at  Chendamangalam










"as long as the world and moon exist"
The Hindu kings of Kerala  gave permission in perpetuity (or, in the more poetic expression of those days, "as long as the world and moon exist") for Jews to live freely, build synagogues, and own property "without conditions attached

A view from women's separated space in a Jewish Synagogue ensuring one shall try to impress no one but only God when they are offering prayers. It is believed that with this gender separation in a Synagogue, the  focus on prayers wont be lost.

The alluring architecture of Synagogue in Chendamangalam.

The doors that were meant for Jewish women's entry and exit which was closed later as the Synagogue in Chendamangalam became non-functional. It remains to be a tourists attraction supported and preserved by the Govt of India.

Traces of Jewish architecture  can be still found near buildings close to the  Jewish Synagogue in the Chendamangalam area of  Parur inKerala.

Remains of old Jewish tombstones found close to Kottayil Kovilakam in Chendamangalam, Kerala.

Covered in thorny bushes and leaf litters, one can hardly make out if there is a tombstone. In picture - one among the hand few visible tombstones in Chendamangalam.




"Perhaps the most unique aspect of the Indian Jewish experience is the complete absence of discrimination by a host majority. The secret of India's tolerance is the Hindu belief which confers legitimacy on a wide diversity of cultural and religious groups even as it forbids movement from one group to another." - Raphael Meyer

 Sarah Cohen's Jewish hand embroidery shop near Synagogue in Jew town, Mattanchery, Kerala.

A young Sarah Cohen ( 2nd from left ) seen playing cards with her Jewish fellow mates in Jew town, Mattanchery, a photo hung in Sarah's embroidery shop.

Jewish Synagogue in Jew town, Mattancherry, Cochin, Kerala.