THE JEWS OF KERALA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 - Indian Society)

Context: The last woman of Kochi's Paradesi Jew community passed away at the age of 89 in the Mattancherry area, marking the end of an era for the historic community.

The Jews of Kerala

• About: Kerala’s Jewish population, once vibrant with 20,000-50,000 members, has dwindled dramatically. Today, only 4,000-5,000 Jews remain in India, primarily from the Bene Israel community.
• History: Various traditions and records suggest different origins for the Cochin Jews, ranging from migrations during King Solomon’s era to arrivals after the destruction of the Second Temple and a fourth-century migration from Majorca.
• Two Main Jews Community in Kerala:

oMalabar Jews: they also known as Cochin Jews, trace their origins back almost 3,000 years to the time of King Solomon. 

üThey first settled in Cranganore (present-day Kodungallur) and later moved to Cochin due to Portuguese pressure.

oParadesi Jews: Paradesi Jews, who migrated to India from the Iberian Peninsula in the 15th and 16th centuries, settled in Kerala and Madras, becoming significant players in the spice and precious stones trade.

üThe Paradesi Jews adopted local customs and Malayalam language but eventually distanced themselves from the older Malabar Jewish community, creating a distinct separation between the two groups.

• Migration to Israel: Since the 1950s, Kerala’s Jewish community has seen a significant migration to Israel. Today, only 14 Malabar Jews and one Paradesi Jew remain in Kerala, while over 4,000 Cochinim live in Israel.
• Decline: The remnants of Kerala’s Jewish community include the “Jew Streets” in Mattancherry and Kochi, along with seven synagogues, the most famous being the Paradesi Synagogue, now a historical monument.