As political turbulence in Kashmir heightened in the early 90s many decided to migrate to other parts of the world. For some of them Kochi became an option as during those time the place was slowly developing in a tourism hotspot. Kashimiris are relatively a smaller community, with the official record books suggesting a total of 45 Kashmiri families. They are mostly into handicrafts retailing. Some 40 odd antique shops that line up the historic Jew Street in Mattancherry are owned by Kashmiris. They are a relatively secluded community. According to the community members, when they arrived initially they were viewed suspiciously and this had forced them to remain kind of secluded. But things have improved considerably since then. Some of them have married local women. But most of the Kashmiris still maintain relationships with their motherland which they strengthen with an annual visits to the valley.
