Picture credits : Istock images
1. The first visitors: The Jews Mattancherry’s Jewish roots trace back to the 1st Century CE. Arriving as traders and refugees, they built the Pardesi Synagogue — the oldest active synagogue in the Commonwealth.
Pic: Plan Ashley Go
2. The Portuguese, Dutch and English The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive, bringing trade and Catholicism. They were followed by the Dutch and the British. These colonial waves led to the emergence of Latin, Syrian, and other Christian communities still present today.
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Picture credits : Kerala Tourism
3. Colonial remnants The region’s thriving spice trade legacy lives on through its colonial charm, reflected in Dutch and Portuguese-influenced architecture and landmarks like the iconic Mattancherry Palace.
Picture credits : Travel.earth
4. Arab and Memon legacy Arab traders and the Memon community — Sunni Muslims originally from present-day Pakistan — left a strong cultural imprint. Their legacy lives through local cuisine, with dishes like biryani and pathiri becoming part of Mattancherry’s foodscape.
5. The Konkanis The Gaud Saraswat Brahmins, a Konkani-speaking community, arrived in the 12th century to escape persecution by the Mughals and Portuguese. They remain a significant part of the region’s cultural fabric.
Picture credits : Rethinkingthefuture.com
6. The Marathis In the 19th century, workers and soldiers from Maharashtra were brought in by the rulers of Cochin and Travancore. Their descendants continue to flourish here.
Picture credits : The Times of India
7. Gujarati, Jain and Marwari settlers Migrating mainly as merchants in the 19th century, these communities established places of worship and trade. The Shri Jain Shwetambar Temple on Gujarati Road stands as a key landmark today.
Picture Credits : Indulge Express
8. The Tamilians and the Tamil Vishwakarmas Tamil-speaking people arrived in the 19th and 20th centuries, working in fishing, coir-making, and agriculture. Among them were the Tamil Vishwakarmas, a community of artisans and skilled craftsmen.
Picture credits : Ayurveda Journals
Pic: Kerala bee
Agarwals and Kashmiris Merchant families from Haryana like the Agarwals and displaced traders from Kashmir — who fled during the 1990s insurgency — became part of the neighbourhood’s trading ecosystem.
Pic: Casual Walker
38 Communities in one place Mattancherry in Kerala is home to 38 diverse communities, where Jewish, Arab, Portuguese, and Indian cultures blend in a unique legacy of harmony and heritage.
Picture Credits : Crafters Antique Shop