The San Francisco call., 1906-10-08
INDIA HAS RACE
Of BLACK JEWS.
Said to Have All the
Marked characteristics
of the Ancient Hebrews
CUSTOMS RETAINED
CUSTOMS
RETAINED

A population of black Jews is TO be
found in the State OF Cochin. in British
Hindoostan, on the extreme southwest
OF that peninsula Here a small sec
ton of the Jewish race constitutes a
unique phenomenon of the Cochin sea
board. The descendants of the Jews
who migrated to this coast have, IL is
said, all the marked characteristics OF
the race deeply ingrained in them.
coupled with an intuitive sense OF kin
ship with the ancient Israelitish na-
ton. Their history can only be re-
garded as a product OF oral tradition
for whatever records they had were
destroyed three and a half centuries
ago.
The elders OF the white Jews OF Co
chin. however, have in their possession
written on both sides and the other on
one only, in Vatellutu characters. the
supposed date OF which Is 700 A d.
presumably a date subsequent to their
settlement, according to some authori-
ties. -about two generations later
Others date the settlement OF the Jews
In Cochin as early as the first half OF
the third century.
There is little doubt that those who
cams here had for generations an en-
viahle existence as compared with
their co-religionists IN Europe. They
enjoyed the full privileges OF citizen
ship and every path to distinction lag
open to them
WHITE AND BLACK JEWS FOES.
The Mohammedans coming along dis
turbed their tranquility some years
later, for In the sixteenth century they
slew large numbers OF them, but when
they next turned their attention to
them the latter retaliated and drove
out the aggressors. With the arrival
or the Portuguese the Jews began TO
share the experience OF their brethren
IN Europe. and the scourge which was
visited upon them IN Granganere was
likened by them to the destruction OF
Jerusalem in miniature.
The black Jews claim to have been
the earliest settlers. though the white
Jews deny them the honor, asserting
that the black section are pure ma
ttves, converted to the Jewish faith. In
earlier years good feeling is said to
have existed between the two sections
OF Israelites, white and black. But Of
late years their relations, from being
strained, have become actually hostile
II may be that they belong TO two
different tribes, for. as Froude remark
ed, on the authority Of Isaac DisraeIf.
the Jewish people are not nation, for
they consist OF many nations. They
are spanish or Portuguese. German or
Polish, and. like the chameleon. reflect
the colors they rest upon or like wa
ters running through vast countries that
are t1nged In their course with all the
varieties OF soil over which they now.
OPINIONS OF HISTORIANS.
Historians differ in opinion regard
ing the relation OF these white and
black ex-religionists. DR.. Buchanan. for
example, remarks that IT is only neces-
sary TO look at the countenances OF
HACKS n ha HaT
cestors must have arrived in India many
ages before the white Jews-evfdently
attr1buting their complexion to long
residence in the tropics
Mr. Hough. the historian of Indian
Christianity. who visited Cochin in
1870, observes that the black Jews ap-
pear so much like the natives of India
\ that 1t is difficult at first sight to dis
| tinguish them from the Hindu. On a
little closer inspection. however. the
Jewish contour OF their countenance
cannot be mistaken
Another authority believes them to be
the descendants OF slaves owned bv
Jews, half castles and proselytes a
mixed race OF Dravidians and Semites.
STRANGE MIXTURE OF CUSTOMS.
OF the total Jewish population only
$50 are white; their characteristics
generally are similar to those OF the
darker section. They all observe the
same Sabbath, feasts and fasts. They
wear a long tunic OF rich color a
waistcoat buttoned up TO the neck. full
white trousers and a skull cap which
gives place to a turban when they go
to the synagogue.
In some respects, however. the dress
OF the black Jew resembles that OF the
native Mohammedans. while some imi-
tate the "Jonaka Mopila.'' All wear
wooden sandals; these and the locks
brought down IN front Of the ears
distinguish them from the other sec
tions OF the population Hebrew Is still
their Hturgieal language and is studied
as classic among them. but the home
language is Malayan.
Though they retain many strictly He
brew customs. both sections have adopt
ed some OF those of the Hindoos. In
South India in past ages the Jews were
most successful as missionaries. which
implies great deal. On the other
hand. while the sons OF Israel in other
parts OF the world have made their
presence felt by welding considerable
influence and making their mark in
every walk of life. commercial, literary
and political, their brethren in Cochin
have remained but little Influenced even
by their progressive surroundings-
Chicago Chronicle.