Kochangadi Synagogue

The Kochangadi Synagogue, was a historic Synagogue built in 1344 by the Malabari Jews of Kerala, that was lost and never rebuilt. The foundation stone is still retained in the Paradesi Synagogue of Mattancherry, maintained by the White Jews.[1]

Hebrew inscription on a tablet from the Kochangadi Synagogue, now placed at the eastern wall of the Paradesi Synagogue

History

The Kochangadi Synagogue was mostly likely built in the 14th century AD, after the Malabari Jews had to abandon Muziris or Kodungallur area due to the great flood of Periyar river in 1341.[2][3] It is believed to have been demolished by the army of Tipu Sultan during his raids into Kerala in 1789 [4] during the Second Anglo-Mysore War.[2]

After it was destroyed, the Jewish community did not rebuild the synagogue. Instead, they moved to the nearby Kochi and carried with them the inscription stone mentioning its year of construction and planted it in the Kadavumbhagam Mattancherry Synagogue at today's Synagogue Lane, Jew Town. Later on, it was inserted into the east wall of the nearby Paradesi Synagogue where it remains till today. The Hebrew inscription states that the structure was built in 5105 (as per the Hebrew Calendar) as "an abode for the spirit of God".

See also

References
  1. Indian Jews: This little known minority community has a rich heritage, Sifra Lentin, First Post, 26 June 2016
  2. Lost Kerala Synagogues, Jay A. Waronker, Friends of Kerala Synagogues, 2011
  3. 1341 AD, a tribute show on Kochi after the 1341 Great Periyar Flood, by various artists, Gallery OED Cochin, 2016
  4. Mandelbaum, David G. (1939). "The Jewish Way of Life in Cochin". Jewish Social Studies. 1 (4): 423–460. JSTOR 4464305.

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