URBAN INK

Fort Kochi the colonial heart of Old Portuguese Kerala is a fascinating place with a lot of history.Jew

street in Mattancherry is one such historically relevant place, it is also one of the oldest Jew settlements

in India.

As you stroll down the streets you come across aesthetic architectures in a blue and green faded tone.

The streets are filled with spice shops and curio souks which were developed by the Jews.

On one end is a Synagogue with Hebrew and tomb-stones. There were 7 SynagoguesMalayalam,the 400

years old Pardesi Synagogue is the only one that survives.

The interiors of the synagogue are designed with curved brass columns, intricately carved teak chest,

Belgian crystal chandeliers and Torah crowns with gems set in gold. Hand-painted porcelain tiles from

Canton, each tile in a different pattern, depicting a love affair between a mandarin's daughter and a

commoner.

The most interesting objects are the two copper plates dating back to the 4th century with details of

privileges granted to the Jewish community during the reign of Bhaskara Ravi Varman in the 10th

century.

An exclusive gallery for females supported by gilt columns is seen above the main entrance. An

elaborately carved Ark that houses four scrolls of the Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament are

encased in silver and gold on which sits gold crowns presented by the Maharajas of Travancore and

Kochi.

The 45-feet clock-tower outside the synagogue warrants special attention as it dials bear four

different numerals in Arabic, Latin, Hebrew and Malayalam.

The nearby Market Road still bustles as shopkeepers sell wood carvings, oil lamps, spice box, snake

boats and some tempting coffee table books. It is also home for the biggest Varpu or Urali in the world.

Once one of the oldest Jewish communities in the world, but now many of the inhabitants have moved

to Israel. Their culture and lifestyle are still well preserved and you walk into a different world as you

enter the Jew Town.