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A historic Jewish presence emerged in the ancient trading port of Kodungallur, known as Cranganore, where some Jews settled and later migrated south to Kochi in the 14th century. This coastal city, approximately 20 miles from Kodungallur, witnessed an influx of European Jews, referred to in the local Malayalam dialect as Paredesi, meaning ‘foreigners’. Many of these individuals were fleeing the turmoil of the Iberian Peninsula, particularly during the oppressive period of the Spanish Inquisition and following the mass expulsion of Jews in 1492.
As the centuries progressed, additional Jewish immigrants arrived from regions including western Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. At the peak of its prominence, the Jewish community in Kochi boasted around 2,000 members. However, in the 19th century, a significant number began relocating to major urban centers such as Bombay (now Mumbai) and Calcutta (now Kolkata), with a marked increase in emigration to the newly established state of Israel starting in 1948.
The Paradesi Synagogue, constructed in 1568 by Sephardic Jews, remains a key landmark adjacent to Mattancherry Palace. Today, visitors can explore its courtyard, which interestingly shares a wall with a Hindu temple. This synagogue is not only open for public visitation but also serves its role as a site of worship, maintained by the local Indian community. Its interior is vibrant, featuring intricately hand-painted 18th-century Chinese tiles and exquisite Belgian chandeliers. A noteworthy artifact includes engraved copper plates received from the Hindu ruler of Kodungallur, honoring a Jewish leader around AD 1000.
The most recent major celebration at the synagogue took place in 2018, commemorating its 450th anniversary. This event saw the gathering of approximately 150 émigré members of the Paradesi Jewish community, who traveled from various parts of the globe to participate. Many of these individuals, descendants of those who once frequented the synagogue, walked familiar streets filled with the stories of their ancestors.
Sarah Cohen, the oldest member of India’s Paradesi Jewish community, passed away a year later, just shy of her 97th birthday. Her embroidery shop in Mattancherry, still bearing her name, is now maintained by Thaha Ibrahim, a Muslim who formed a tight bond with Sarah and her husband over the years. Treated as family, he continues her legacy by crafting embroidery using the very patterns she once created.
Currently, the Paradesi Synagogue is the only active one out of eight in Kerala. The congregation primarily comprises émigré Jewish visitors who attend the Friday night services. During these gatherings, a portion of the Torah scrolls is ceremoniously read, retrieved from ornate silver cases adorned with gold crowns, some of which were gifted by local maharajas. While the Jewish community in Kochi has dwindled significantly, the rich memories and traditions of their heritage endure.
This column was first published in the April 2025 issue of BBC History Magazine
Source
www.historyextra.com