PARADESI SYNAGOGUE

One characteristic of Kochi is its Jewish community. The so-called "black Jews" of Kerala trace their origins to King Solomon's trading expeditions 3,000 years ago. The "white Jews" arrived in the 16th century, fleeing Catholic persecution. These white Jews married only within their community, despising black Jews, and gained significant prestige at the Kerala court, thanks to their pale skin and European connections.

Built in 1568, the synagogue has a beautifully decorated floor with different Chinese tiles and chandeliers of Belgian origin. It has large Torah scrolls. In an adjoining room, paintings tell the story of the Jews in India. The population of Mattancherry is mainly Muslim, but hidden behind it is Jew Town. It is a unique street of old, faded, picturesque, solidly built low-rise houses, home to the few survivors of the oldest Jewish community in India. Chased out of Cranganore by the Portuguese in 1524, the Jews arrived in Kochi and found an unexpected benefactor in the person of the raja of Kochi. The raja of Kochi gave them the land near his palace and helped them to build their synagogue. The synagogue was built with lumber provided free of charge by the raja, who is said to have personally taught the masons how to mix the mortar with coconut water to make strong walls.