Jews all over the world are a proud lot when it comes to their culture
and heritage. Resulting from their diaspora in the sixth century BC, they made
their presence felt in different parts of the world. They made India too their
home, till majority of them returned to Israel after 1948.
Kerala is one place in India, where the Jewish community made its
presence felt in a strong manner. Their presence can be still felt in the port
city of Kochi, where they are still involved in a variety of business
activities. Among the prominent landmarks of the Jewish community in the region
is their place of worship called synagogue. There were quite a good number of
them in Kochi as well as in Kodungallur, an ancient port city not far away from
Kochi.
Besides the popular synagogue at Mattanchery in Kochi, the one at the
village of Chennamangalam or Chendamangalam in North Paravur is one of the
biggest, which was built some 175 years ago. The synagogue was recently
restored to its original glory thanks to the hard work and effort of the Kerala
State Archaeology Department with financial support from Kerala Tourism. It is
a protected monument under the state department of archaeology.
The
synagogue at Chennamangalam reflects traditional Kerala architecture and has
utilized western construction technology. Some of the visual attractions of
this synagogue are undoubtedly the majestic altar, which stands out for its
intricate artwork. The synagogue has a high roof, which at first sight would
itself convince one about the difficulties that the craftsmen might have
encountered while fixing it. The ceiling of the roof has a brightly coloured
chequered pattern, with huge wooden beams giving additional support to the
roof.
A wooden balcony with beautifully carved balusters and railings is
another attraction of this synagogue. There is another balcony, meant
exclusively for women. A marvellous craftsmanship in wood, a spiral wooden
staircase leads to this balcony. Chennamangalam is also an example of religious
tolerance and harmonious co-existence, which can be felt by the presence of
temple, mosque and church located close to the synagogue. Visitors to the
synagogue at Chennamangalam with a penchant for traditional architecture can
also pay a visit to the Paliam Palace, which was once the abode of Paliath
Achans, who were the Prime Ministers of the erstwhile rulers of Kochi. Historic
documents and relics are on display at this palace. Another nearby place of
interest is the Vypeenkotta Seminary built by the Portuguese in the 16th
century. Only the remains of the seminary are now visible. The
synagogue is now a protected monument of Muziris heritage project.
History of Cochin Jews:
JEWS AND Muziris Heritage รข€“ Day Tours
While King Solomon was building the great Temple at Jerusalem in BC 961,
the Jews were having trade links with Kerala in the South-West coast of India,
embracing the Arabian Sea.
The first Jewish settlement in Indian was at Kodungalloor Located 35 Km
North of Cochin, Kerala State in India. These were the ancient names of
Kodungalloor – Shingly by Jews, Mussaris by Greek and Cranganore by Portuguese.
Kodungallur was the Only Sea Port (1000BC) in India known to the outside world.
Nearly 3000 years back Kodungalloor has been keeping trade relations
with Palestine. Many a Jewish traders who came to Kodungalloor for trade
purposes settled here, as they could not return to their country, due to
turbulent weather and rought Sea. When the second temple in Jerusalem was
destroyed, many Jewish families who had heard of the tolerance, generosity and
hospitality of the people of Kodungalloor, from their brethren who had settled
here, ventured to this place. l Then the Hindu rulers as well as the people of
Kodungalloor gave them a warm welcome and they settled here enjoying the love,
compassion and security the Kodungallurities (People of Kodoungalloor) gave
them.
History says that the First Jews arrived in Kerala in King Solomon’s
Merchant Fleet. St. Thomas arrived in Kodungalloor in 52 AD, St. Thomas was
welcomed by a Jewish Flute Girl. He stayed in the Jewish quarter of the town.
It is interesting to learn that even today some of the hymns chanted in the
Synagogues, especially on Jewish Holy days, are called Shingly Melodies. The
attachment of the Jews, to Kodungalloor was so strong that till recently a
handful of Shingly Sand found a place in the Coffin of every Jew along with
that from the Holy Land.
The valuable spices of Kerala, such as pepper, cardamom, ginger,
cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, turmeric etc. had attracted the Jews to Kerala by crossing
the turbulent seas centuries ago.
The Population in Kerala is fast declining since the formation of their
own Nation ‘Israel’ in 1948. The architecture of Kerala Synagogues are
beautiful combination of Kerala and Sumerian architecture.
Here lies silently the centuries old history of the Jews in Kerala, the
history of their sufferings and sorrows, as well as the Joy of their adventures
and achievements. Jews have made substantial contribution in the field of trade
and commence in Kerala. Forward trading and money lending business originated
with them. The Banking also began with them.
Their emigration to Israel enmasse was not motivated by any intolerance
or ill-treatment metted out by the Government or by external political or
social pressure but their staunch religious fervor to live and die in the
HOLYLAND.
Among the remaining Jews in Kerala, those who are aged above seventy.
Severely feel loneliness as all their Kith and Kin are now settled in Israel
permanently. Still these old people do not intend to leave Kerala as they are
deeply rooted in this soil, so deep, that it can not be rooted out.
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