This community traces its lineage back to the Konkan coast. Multiple historical records suggest that the Gaud Saraswat Brahmins (GSBs) in Kochi are the descendants of those who migrated from Goa during 16th to 18th centuries, fleeing forceful religious conversions by the Portuguese. Upon reaching Kochi, they were allowed to build their own settlements and were granted rights to engage in trade, which eventually led to their integration into the cosmopolitan Kochi society. According to the official data, there are approximately 2,000 GSB families living in the area. Even though priesthood was their traditional occupation, in Kochi they were involved in trade and commerce. According to the legends, it is believed that papadam/papadum (Crispy Indian wafers usually made from lentil seeds), which has now become an integral part of festival feasts in Kerala, is their contribution. To this day, many GSB families are involved in the production and trade of varieties of papadums. The community also boasts of luminaries who have been endowed with highest civilian honors for their contributions in various fields including linguistics.
