Author:

Srijit Saha

Independent Research Scholar
Department of History
Presidency University
Kolkata,West Bengal,India

Email: srijit.saha13@gmail.com

Abstract::Jews have had a connection with India, dating back 2,000 years, also an important microminority community in India, reflecting the country’s diverse social fabric. This community contributed immensely to India in terms of economy, architecture, art, etc., which are lesser known to us. This paper provides an overview of existing Jewish communities in India, including the Bene Israel, Cochin Jews, and Baghdadi Jews, as well as lesser-known groups like the Bnei Menashe and Bene Ephraim. The Bene Israel’s history and decline, the Cochin Jews’ trade contributions and internal dynamics, and the Baghdadi Jews’ impact and education initiatives are examined. Exploring the lesser-known history of the Jewish diaspora in India provides valuable insights into social history. This investigation uncovers the significant yet often overlooked contributions of Jewish communities, revealing how their unique experiences and interactions have shaped and transformed their identity and their placement in the social landscape of India. Are the Jews a homogenous micro-minority category, or is there exists heterogeneity is answered at last.

Key Words::Bene Israel, Baghdadi Jews, Cochin Jews, Diaspora, Trade etc.