The Cochin Jews: A Historical Overview
The Cochin Jews, a distinctive Jewish community, have called the Malabar Coast of southwestern India home for centuries. Located in what is now Kerala, the Cochin Jews primarily spoke Malayalam. They were traditionally divided into three castelike groups: the Paradesis (White Jews), the Malabaris (Black Jews), and the Meshuchrarim (Brown Jews). Though their numbers once reached into the thousands, by the early 21st century, only about 50 Cochin Jews remained in the region.
Early Settlement and Historical Records
The Cochin Jews’ documented history can be traced back to around 1000 CE. One of the earliest Hebrew inscriptions in Kerala can be found on a gravestone from 1269, marking their presence in the region. However, Jewish presence in the Malabar Coast predates these records. Documents from the genizah (repository) of a Cairo synagogue from the 8th and 9th centuries mention Jewish traders from the Cochin area, indicating their early involvement in the region’s commerce. Initially, the Cochin Jewish community was centered in Cranganore (known locally as Shingly).
Migration and Challenges
The Cochin Jewish community encountered significant challenges from the early 14th to the mid-16th century. Natural disasters like floods and the silting of Cranganore, coupled with territorial disputes among local rulers and raids by Portuguese forces, led to the dispersal of many Jews from Cranganore. Despite these adversities, the community showed resilience and many of them relocated to nearby Cochin, where a synagogue was established in 1344, a testament to their determination to preserve their identity and faith.
European Influence and Social Structure
The arrival of European Jews in the following centuries significantly impacted the community. These Paradesis, or ‘foreigners’ in Malayalam, included refugees escaping the Iberian Peninsula and the Spanish Inquisition. They constructed the Paradesi Synagogue in 1568, a landmark that not only stands today but also symbolizes the resilience and cultural fusion of the Cochin Jews.
The Dutch Era and Economic Prosperity
The period of Dutch rule from 1663 to 1795 marked a golden age for the Cochin Jews. David Ezekiel Rahabi, a prominent figure during this time, served as the chief merchant of the Dutch East India Company from 1726. He negotiated with local rulers, ensuring economic prosperity for the Jewish community. Despite this, the 19th century saw a decline in the fortunes of the Paradesis. Many Cochin Jews sought better economic opportunities in cities like Calcutta (now Kolkata) and Bombay (now Mumbai), where they integrated with other Jewish communities but typically maintained marriage ties with Cochin.
Decline and Migration
By the early 21st century, of the eight synagogues that once served the Jewish community in Kerala, only the Paradesi Synagogue remained active. The majority of Malabaris (approximately 2,400) migrated to Israel in the 1950s, followed by many Paradesis. Those who emigrated continued to uphold their traditions in their new homeland.
Legacy and Cultural Heritage
The Cochin Jews have not only left an indelible mark on Kerala’s cultural and historical landscape but have enriched it. Their synagogues, especially the Paradesi Synagogue, stand as living testaments to their rich heritage. Despite their dwindling numbers in India, the traditions and history of the Cochin Jews continue to be celebrated and preserved by their descendants worldwide, a testament to their enduring cultural influence.
