Kochi’s Jewish heritage - Story of Mattancherry’s ancient settlement

Kochi's Jewish heritage is more than just history. It’s a tale of survival, adaptation, and an enduring legacy. Walk through the streets of Mattancherry, and you’ll find remains of a once-thriving Jewish community: an ancient synagogue, mysterious inscriptions, and a nearly forgotten cemetery. But how did a Jewish settlement emerge in the heart of Kerala? What drew them here, and why did they leave?

Let's uncover the lost stories hidden within Kerala’s Jew Town! If you want to immerse yourself in this cultural journey, The Hosteller Kochi Ocean Edge, just a short drive away, offers the perfect stay to experience the city’s vibrant past and present.

Motorcycles and bicycles drive through the bustling streets of Kochi

The arrival: A sanctuary in Kerala

Jewish traders are believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast over 2,000 years ago during King Solomon’s time, drawn by Kerala’s rich spices. A larger migration happened later, around 70 ADS, when Jewish families fled persecution after the destruction of the Second Temple of Jerusalem.

The Chera kings warmly granted the Jewish settlers land, trade privileges, and autonomy, allowing them to live as an independent community. According to historical records and local legends, they were given a set of copper plates (known as Sasanam) inscribed with royal decrees. These plates supposedly granted them noble status, including rights similar to those of high-ranking local merchants and landowners.

Some key privileges included:

• The right to own and trade land freely
• Exemption from certain taxes
• The authority to administer their own community affairs
• Protection under the king’s rule, ensuring their safety and prosperity

Though these copper plates mysteriously disappeared in the 17th century. Some say they were stolen; others claim they were taken to Israel.

Chera dynasty | Credits: jagranjosh.com

The Paradesi Synagogue: A jewel in Jew Town

Built in 1568, the Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry is the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth and a key landmark of Kochi’s Jewish heritage.

What makes it special?

1) Unique architecture 

Its architecture is a fusion of Jewish, Kerala, and colonial styles, with hand-painted Chinese tiles, elegant Belgian chandeliers, and traditional wooden beams.

2) Ancient Torah scrolls 

The synagogue houses Torah scrolls over 1,000 years old, carefully preserved to this day.

3) Historic Clock Tower

Built by the Dutch in the 18th century, it originally had numerals written in three different scripts: Hebrew, Roman (Latin script), and Malayalam on its clock face. This shows the multicultural influences in Kochi at the time.

Paradesi Synagogue in Mattancherry 

Jew Town: A walk-through history

The streets around the Paradesi Synagogue are a treasure trove of history, antiques, and fascinating stories.

Things to do in Jew Town:

1. Explore antique shops 

Wander through the lanes lined with shops selling everything from ancient coins and brass artifacts to Victorian furniture and colonial-era collectibles. Each item has a story, strike up a conversation with shopkeepers by asking, "Ithu evidunnu?" (Where is this from?) for an interesting backstory.

2. Sip coffee at Kashi Art Café

A local institution, Kashi Art Café is where Kochi’s artistic soul meets its coffee culture. Whether you want to admire contemporary art, enjoy a plate of their famous French toast, or get lost in a book, this is the perfect spot to unwind.

3. Visit the Spice Market

Step into the past at Kochi’s historic spice market, where the aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, pepper, and nutmeg fills the air. Traders here still sell some of the finest spices, just as they did centuries ago when Kerala was at the centre of the global spice trade.

4. Discover Hidden Synagogues

Beyond the Paradesi Synagogue, there are lesser-known abandoned synagogues in Jew Town. Some have been repurposed as warehouses, while others remain untouched.

Spice Market, Kochi

The decline: A fading community

At its peak, Kochi’s Jewish community numbered in the thousands. However, after the formation of Israel in 1948, most families emigrated, leaving only a handful of elders behind. Today, only a few Paradesi Jews remain in Kochi, their presence a quiet reminder of a once-thriving culture.

What still remains of Kochi’s Jewish past? A forgotten cemetery with centuries-old tombstones, heritage homes, some transformed into charming cafés and boutique hotels, while others stand frozen in time and, most importantly, Kochi’s enduring spirit of acceptance, where Jews lived peacefully for centuries, leaving behind a legacy of inclusivity.

Final thought: A journey through time

Kochi’s Jewish heritage may be fading, but its legacy lives on. Every antique shop, spice-laden alley, and synagogue echoes a story of resilience and cultural fusion. To truly experience it, stroll through Jew Town, chat with shopkeepers, and let history’s whispers guide you and when you're done time-traveling, unwind at The Hosteller Kochi Ocean Edge. A prime location from all the local attractions. With its vibrant vibe and cozy stay, it’s the perfect base to explore Kochi’s heritage while enjoying a stay that’s just as full of stories. After all, what’s travel without a place that feels like home?

A man walks past a fading mural, where art meets everyday life in Kochi