Five months on, historic Mala synagogue still without a proper roof

The roof of the historic Mala Jewish Synagogue, one of Kerala’s oldest and most treasured heritage sites, remains unrepaired five months after it collapsed in heavy rain. The structure, believed to be nearly thousand years old, continues to stand vulnerable — covered only by a tarpaulin sheet that now leaks, letting rainwater drench its ancient walls and interiors.

The central portion of the roof caved in on June 12, 2025, following days of torrential rain. Since then, the Archaeology department, under whose supervision the synagogue is maintained, has closed the site to visitors citing safety concerns.

Inspected roof

Experts from the Archaeology department, who inspected the roof in May, had warned that it was in a dangerous condition. The report was communicated to Muziris Heritage Project Ltd, which manages the heritage conservation project, but before any protective action could be taken, the structure gave way.

A joint meeting of the Archaeology department, Muziris Heritage Project, and Mala grama panchayat decided to take immediate temporary measures and later restore the roof in its traditional grandeur. However, the temporary tarpaulin cover remains the only protection in place even now, while no permanent restoration has yet begun.

Local heritage activists have expressed deep concern over the neglect.

“Rainwater is leaking through the tarpaulin sheet, soaking the centuries-old walls of the synagogue,” said P.K. Kittan of the Mala Paithruka Samrakshana Samiti, who agitated for years for the preservation of the historic structure. “The protection of this synagogue was achieved only through years of public struggle. It is heartbreaking to see it deteriorating again.”

Entrance gate

Four years ago, the government had taken over five cents of land to reconstruct the entrance gate of the synagogue. However, no compound wall or related work has been completed even after all these years.

Meanwhile Muziris project managing director Sharon Veettil said that the renovation work will be started in December.

“We were waiting for the structure to be dry. The roof had collapsed during the last monsoon rain. So the structure was drenched. We want to restore the synagogue in its traditional grandeur. The estimate has been submitted to the Tourism department. The government has already given the administrative sanction,” said Mr. Veettil.

Along with the synagogue, we are also planning to renovate the Jewish cemetery into a peace park, he said.

The Mala synagogue and its adjoining cemetery are the only surviving remnants of the once-thriving Jewish settlement in the area.

“Mala has been recorded in history as an important Jewish centre,” Mr. Kittan added. “There is evidence of Jewish presence here for over a thousand years. More than 40 Jewish families once lived in Mala, and this synagogue is among the oldest in Kerala.” The last Jewish families left Mala for Israel by 1955, after which the panchayat took control of the site.