Bora Muslims came to Kochi from Gujarat via Alappuzha. They are the only Muslim community in Kochi that follows Shiite Islam, one of the two major Islamic sects. The name Bora is said to have evolved from the Gujarati word ‘Vehru’ which means trade. Unsurprisingly trading has traditionally been their occupation. In kochi, most of the Boras are into hardware retailing. There are no historical records suggesting their period of migration. However, oral records confirm that it was Alappuzha, place which is approximately 80 kilometers to the south of Kochi that they made their home before moving into Kochi.
