Some Aspects of Jewish Calcutta

Contents: Introduction. Chapters. 1. Arrival of the Jews in Calcutta. 2. Socio-Economic Life. 3. Education and Literature. 4. Contribution of Women. 5. Civic Life and Social Responsibilities. 6. Zionism and the Calcutta Jews. 7. Exodus. 8. At the Crossroads: The Question of Identity. Conclusion. Bibliography. Appendix. Glossary.
India is home to a tiny community namely, Jews from the Middle East. Arabic- Speaking Jews, known as Baghdadis, came to India as traders. Adept it business and finance, they chose to settle in Calcutta. They constructed a rich socio-spatial identity. The community unravelled rapidly following Indian independence and the foundation of the State of Israel. Calcutta still nurtures her Jews along with other citizens and can take pride in the fact that the mere existence of this minuscule minority has contributed in its own way to enrich its multifaceted- culture and diversified its identity.