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 added in 1760.   Most of the Jews in India after Independence left either for Israel or Australia and got themselves settled there.

     I happened to visit the Synagogue  today which is a piece of beautiful architecture with two feet thick walls, two Iron pillars and a flooring made of Chinese tiles in 18th century. The western wall of the synagogue is common to the adjacent Bhagavathi Amman temple inside Mattancherry Palace indicating the religious tolerance of Cochin Kings. 

          Some of the houses which I saw were pretty old one built in 1761 another more than 250 year old which is a concept Hotel now. The Architecture are familiar to a small time European Towns and are well maintained. You will for a moment will feel you are in a different world.