The Jews of Calcutta, primarily of Baghdadi origin, built one of the most prosperous Jewish communities in colonial India. Arriving from Iraq, Syria, and other parts of the Middle East during the 18th and 19th centuries, they established grand synagogues, founded merchant dynasties, and left an indelible mark on Calcutta’s cultural and commercial landscape. These photographs document their legacy in the city they once called home.
The Magen David Synagogue
The Magen David Synagogue on Canning Street in Calcutta is one of the finest examples of Indo-European synagogue architecture in the world. Built in 1884, its towering clock tower is visible across the Burrabazar commercial district. The synagogue was funded by Elias David Joseph Ezra, a prominent member of the Baghdadi Jewish community, and remains an active place of worship today.
Learn more about the community in the Baghdadi Jews section of this website.