The Mala Synagogue is a Jewish place of worship located in Thrissur district of Kerala which was patronized by Malabari (or “Black”) Jews born of union between the European Jews and the natives. It is believed to have been constructed in 1400 CE and renovated in 1792, after it sustained serious damage during Tipu Sultan’s attack in the 1780s. Although major refurbishment was undertaken in 1909, with the exit of the local Jews to Israel in 1955, it fell into disuse. Subsequently, its ownership changed hands, and the structure suffered greater abuse with rampant encroachment