Jews started settling in Mumbai (then Bombay) and other coastal towns of Maharashtra during the 18th century, due to its economic opportunities. The Jewish community of Bombay consisted of the remnants of three distinct communities: the Bene Israeli Jews of Konkan, the Baghdadi Jews of Iraq, and the Cochin Jews of Malabar. Presently, there are about 10 active synagogues in Maharashtra out of which 9 are in Mumbai and 1 is in Pune. Apart from this there are a couple of prayer hall and about 11 closed synagogues.
