1660 to independence Cochin Jews

photo identified white jew town, cochin, 1913

the malabari jews (referred historically during colonial years black, although skin colour brown) built 7 synagogues in cochin, reflecting size of population.

the paradesi jews (also called white jews) built one, paradesi synagogue. latter group small comparison malabaris. both groups practiced endogamous marriage, maintaining distinctions. both communities claimed special privileges , greater status on each other.

it claimed white jews had brought them iberia few score meshuchrarim (former slaves, of mixed african-european descent). although free, relegated subordinate position in community. these jews formed third sub-group within cochin jewry. meshuchrarim not allowed marry white jews , had sit in of synagogue; these practices similar discrimination against converts lower castes found in christian churches in india.

in 20th century, abraham barak salem (1882–1967), young lawyer became known jewish gandhi , worked end discrimination against meshuchrarim jews. inspired indian nationalism , zionism, tried reconcile divisions among cochin jews. became both indian nationalist , zionist. family descended meshuchrarim. hebrew word denoted manumitted slave, , @ times used in derogatory way. salem fought against discrimination boycotting paradesi synagogue time. used satyagraha combat social discrimination. according mandelbaum, mid-1930s many of old taboos had fallen changing society.

the cochini anjuvannam jews migrated malaya. records show settled in seremban, negeri sembilan, malaysia. last descendant of cochin jews in seremban benjamin meyuhasheem.