Jew Town, Cochin
Now in Gods own country. Land of Parasurama. Jew Town, Mattancherry, Cochin. This is a beautiful heritage precinct with two or three streets having heritage houses which are more than 150-200 years old. The Cochin Jews or Pardesi Jews is now a minuscule minority who can be counted. The history of Jews in India goes back to the era of King Solomon in 9 th century BC when they had trade contacts. After the destroying of their second temple in 70 BC the Jews migrated in large numbers outside their holy land and a good number came to India. They landed in India in 72 BC at Craganore and were warmly welcomed by the Raja. King Cheraman Perumal made Joseph Rabban a Prince of Anjuvanam as mentioned in his copper plates and a Jewish kingdom was established. Again in early 16th century a good number of European Jews who lost their land and liberty fled to India and settled in Cochin. The Synagogue at Mattanch...