In the late 18th century, Jews from Arab countries and Iran arrived in India. Collectively they are called Baghdadi Jews. The Baghdadi Jews came to India because of religious persecutions in their countries and for commercial reasons. Most of them were merchants and businessmen before they arrived in India. They settled in Surat (Gujarat) and later moved to Bombay and Calcutta.

The Baghdadi population of Calcutta peaked in the early 1940s at about 7000.. The Baghdadi Jewish community in India was unique. Its people adhered to Iraqi or Syrian traditions and customs but embraced an English lifestyle and education.

Today there are less than 50 Jews left in Calcutta though three impressive and large synagogues, two prayer halls, two schools, and a cemetery remain, along with a few stately mansions and street names.