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 Mattanchery was constructed in 1568 by their descendants and the Clock Tower