Jewish Heritage in Bombay
The Jewish community in Bombay has a long and rich history, marked by significant contributions to the city's cultural and architectural landscape. This archive aims to preserve and celebrate their heritage through photographs, personal archives, and family genealogy.
Photographs
The Jewish community in Bombay has left behind a treasure trove of photographs that capture their daily lives, celebrations, and significant events. These images offer a glimpse into the vibrant culture and traditions that have been passed down through generations.
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Family Genealogy
The family genealogy of Jewish communities in Bombay (now Mumbai) during the 19th century offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives and heritage of two main groups: the Bene Israel and the Baghdadi Jews. Both communities have rich, distinct histories and unique genealogical lines that reflect their traditions, migration patterns, and contributions to Bombay’s development
1. The Bene Israel Community
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Origins and Background: The Bene Israel, often regarded as one of the oldest Jewish communities in India, trace their origins back to ancient Israel. According to tradition, their ancestors were shipwrecked on the Konkan coast over 2,000 years ago. By the 19th century, many had moved from rural villages to urban centers like Bombay, seeking better economic opportunities.
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Surnames and Family Lines: The Bene Israel traditionally adopted Marathi names that reflected their professions, like Kandarkar (oil presser) or Penkar (a name derived from a Konkan village). These names helped trace family origins, linking individuals to their ancestral villages. In Bombay, some Bene Israel families began to adopt more Anglicized surnames for ease in professional settings.
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Genealogical Records: Detailed family trees among the Bene Israel often included Hebrew names combined with Indian first names, highlighting their dual identity. Oral histories and synagogue records, including marriage and death registers, play a central role in tracing these lineages.
2. The Baghdadi Jewish Community
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Arrival and Settlement: Baghdadi Jews began arriving in Bombay in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, primarily from Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, though some came from as far as Iran and Afghanistan. They were drawn by economic opportunities under British colonial rule and the city’s thriving trade routes. David Sassoon, one of the most notable Baghdadi Jews, established a wealthy trading and philanthropic dynasty.
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Surnames and Notable Families: Baghdadi Jews often retained surnames reflecting their Middle Eastern origins, such as Sassoon, Ezra, Gubbay, and Judah. The Sassoon family, in particular, rose to prominence and established a network of philanthropic institutions, synagogues, and educational establishments, many of which still bear their names today.
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Genealogical Documentation: The Baghdadi Jewish families kept extensive records, with many adopting English names in public life while preserving Hebrew and Arabic names within family circles. Their genealogies are often documented in synagogue records and charitable foundations, and some families maintained private journals or family trees documenting intermarriages and relationships across different Baghdadi Jewish families in Bombay and other British colonies.