(INDIA).

Cochin

1863

Wall-Calendar. Manuscript, single folio sheet. Sephardic cursive Hebrew script, black ink, ruled in red, on blue paper. Divided into twelve, each section recording information of the Calendar systems of the Jews, Muslims and that of “Malabar” (i.e. local Hindu custom). With detail of Jewish Festivals and cyclical changes in prayer, also seasonal and calendrical calculations, including those based on the Zodiac.

Uppermost section lists an extraordinary conglomeration of general and local information, all based on the passage of years since the occurance of any one particular event: From Biblical days to European involvement in Cochini life, with a strong emphasis on local Jewish historical record. A selection: The arrival of Jews to the Malabar Coast, the establishment of Communities, the consecration of synagogues and presentation of Torah Scrolls, concluding with information concerning the years of Yovel and Shemittah, and finally, 20 years since the building of the synagogue verandah! For another example, see Israel Museum Catalogue, The Jews in India (1995) p.34 (illustrated)