The centuries-old Mala Jewish Synagogue has been covered with a tarp after its roof collapsed five months ago. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The roof of the historic Mala Jewish Synagogue, one of Kerala’s oldest and most valuable monuments, remains unrepaired five months after it collapsed in heavy rain. The structure, believed to be nearly a thousand years old, remains vulnerable – covered only by a tarpaulin that now leaks, letting rainwater soak its ancient walls and interiors.
The middle part of the roof collapsed on 12 June 2025 after days of torrential rains. Since then, the archaeological department, under whose supervision the synagogue is maintained, has closed the site to visitors for security reasons.
Controlled roof
Experts from the archaeological department, who inspected the roof in May, warned that it was in a dangerous condition. The report was passed to Muziris Heritage Project Ltd, which manages the heritage conservation project, but before any protective measures could be taken, the structure gave way.
A joint meeting of the Department of Archaeology, Muziris Heritage Project and Mala grama panchayat decided to take immediate temporary measures and later restore the roof to its traditional grandeur. However, a temporary tarpaulin cover remains the only protection in place even now, with no permanent restoration yet to begin.
Local heritage campaigners have expressed deep concern at the neglect.
“Rainwater seeps through the sheet and soaks the centuries-old walls of the synagogue,” said PK Kittan of the Mala Paithruka Samrakshana Samiti, which has campaigned for years to preserve the historic structure. “The preservation of this synagogue was only achieved through years of public struggle. It is heartbreaking to see it deteriorate again.”
Entrance gate
Four years ago, the government took five cents of land for the reconstruction of the entrance gate of the synagogue. However, even after all these years, no compound wall or related work has been completed.
Meanwhile, Muziris Project Executive Director Sharon Veettil said renovation work would begin in December.
“We were waiting for the building to be dry. The roof collapsed during the last monsoon rain. So the building was drenched. We want to restore the synagogue to its traditional grandeur. The estimate has been submitted to the tourism department. The government has already given administrative sanction,” said Mr. Veettil.
Together with the synagogue, we are also planning to transform the Jewish cemetery into a peace park, he said.
The Mala Synagogue and its adjacent cemetery are the only surviving remains of the once flourishing Jewish settlement in the area.
“Mala has been recorded in history as an important Jewish center,” Mr. Kittan added. “There is evidence of a Jewish presence here for more than a thousand years. More than 40 Jewish families once lived in Mala and this synagogue is one of the oldest in Kerala.” The last Jewish families left Mala for Israel in 1955, after which the panchayat took control of the place.
Published – 22 Oct 2025 20:45 IST
