Chola Invasion of Anjuvannam
The Chola Invasion of Anjuvannam began on 1165 A.D on the day of Sabbath after their previous defeat against Cranganore and their allies.
Background
Jewish settlers are believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast as early as 72 BCE. Ancient texts such as the <em>Periplus of the Erythraean Sea</em> mention established Jewish communities and active trade networks in the region.
In the 12th century CE, a conflict emerged between the Chola dynasty and the ruler of Cranganore. Joseph Rabban, a notable leader within the Jewish community, supported the Cranganore Maharaja during the conflict. The war reportedly lasted for about a year and concluded with a victory for the Cranganore side.
In recognition of his contribution, the Maharaja granted Joseph Rabban control over a 72 square mile territory known as Anjuvannam. He was accorded the status of a local ruler, and the region eventually gained prominence as a center of Jewish life, often referred to as the "Jerusalem of the East."
The Conflict
However, the autonomy of Anjuvannam did not last for long. In 1165 CE, the settlement was attacked on the eve of the Sabbath. The incident marked one of the darkest chapters for the Jewish community in India, with reports indicating that nearly 40,000 people were killed during the assault, and fewer than 1,000 survived.
Aftermath
Jewish survivors first found refuge in Chendamangalam. Later, they moved to Paravur, where they established a new Jewish quarter. Joseph Rabban passed away in Paravur, and following his death, disagreements arose among his sons over succession. One faction of the community relocated to Mala, where the Maharaja of Cochin granted them land and resources to construct a synagogue. The elder son, accompanied by some members of the community, moved to Ernakulam, which was then a marshy region. Recognizing the potential of the area due to its navigable inland waterways, they chose to settle there, leading to the establishment of a Jewish enclave centered around a new synagogue.
Meanwhile, the younger son appealed to the king for a grant of land to establish a smaller settlement. In Hebrew, the word for gift is “mattana,” and the settlement, referred to as a “cheri” or hamlet, eventually became known as Mattancherry. A riverside synagogue was built there, modeled after the one in Muziris that had been destroyed by the last Chera ruler.
Background
Jewish settlers are believed to have arrived on the Malabar Coast as early as 72 BCE. Ancient texts such as the <em>Periplus of the Erythraean Sea</em> mention established Jewish communities and active trade networks in the region.
In the 12th century CE, a conflict emerged between the Chola dynasty and the ruler of Cranganore. Joseph Rabban, a notable leader within the Jewish community, supported the Cranganore Maharaja during the conflict. The war reportedly lasted for about a year and concluded with a victory for the Cranganore side.
In recognition of his contribution, the Maharaja granted Joseph Rabban control over a 72 square mile territory known as Anjuvannam. He was accorded the status of a local ruler, and the region eventually gained prominence as a center of Jewish life, often referred to as the "Jerusalem of the East."
The Conflict
However, the autonomy of Anjuvannam did not last for long. In 1165 CE, the settlement was attacked on the eve of the Sabbath. The incident marked one of the darkest chapters for the Jewish community in India, with reports indicating that nearly 40,000 people were killed during the assault, and fewer than 1,000 survived.
Aftermath
Jewish survivors first found refuge in Chendamangalam. Later, they moved to Paravur, where they established a new Jewish quarter. Joseph Rabban passed away in Paravur, and following his death, disagreements arose among his sons over succession. One faction of the community relocated to Mala, where the Maharaja of Cochin granted them land and resources to construct a synagogue. The elder son, accompanied by some members of the community, moved to Ernakulam, which was then a marshy region. Recognizing the potential of the area due to its navigable inland waterways, they chose to settle there, leading to the establishment of a Jewish enclave centered around a new synagogue.
Meanwhile, the younger son appealed to the king for a grant of land to establish a smaller settlement. In Hebrew, the word for gift is “mattana,” and the settlement, referred to as a “cheri” or hamlet, eventually became known as Mattancherry. A riverside synagogue was built there, modeled after the one in Muziris that had been destroyed by the last Chera ruler.
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