KOCHI: In a major step towards conserving Jewish heritage in
Kerala, the state government has decided to take up the conservation of two houses of
Malabari Jews
at
North Paravur
.
The nearly 100-year-old houses will be renovated under the Muziris Heritage Project. The houses will showcase the lifestyle followed by Jews, who made Kerala their home for many centuries, their food and trade cultures.
The house near Paravur synagogue will be refurbished at a cost of Rs 52 lakh and Rs 39 lakh will be spent on the house in front of Chendamangalam synagogue. Government has given administrative sanction for the same. Government acquired the houses, which were in the possession of locals after the Jews sold them off before leaving for Israel, under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement (Kerala) Rules, 2015.
Both the houses, which are two-storeyed ones with tiled roof and thick walls plastered with limestone and sand, will be converted into museums. While the house at Chendamangalam would portray the lifestyle and culture of the Jews and their varied cuisine, the one at North Paravur would exhibit the history of Jewish settlement, trade and occupation in the region. It will be an add-on to the museum at the Paravur Jewish Synagogue.
“Research is underway to decide on the materials to be put on display at the houses. Of the six synagogues in the state, three are under Muziris project. When we visited museums and synagogues in the Netherlands, we intimated officials there on the project on Jews in Kerala. They have agreed to share with us the details, which are available with them. Besides, we also spoke to museum managers in Israel. People, who left for Israel have also extended support,” said Muziris Heritage Project managing director Nowshad P M.
“Jews built markets in most of their settlements. Now, only the board ‘Jew Street’ remains at North Paravur. The two houses are the only
Jewish houses
remaining at North Paravur and Chendamangalam. All the other houses were either not preserved properly or demolished,” he said.
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