 Jews who had engaged in trade with the coast of Malabar had inhabited the city much earlier and had rights to land and other privileges there.Kodungalloor subsequently became less hospitable to Christians who took refuge in Angamaly.The local chieftain of "Mangattu", also referred to as "Mangattachan", graciously welcomed Christians into the area and granted them many privileges including the right to establish a church, a market and a town in 'Ankamalee' (later Angamaly).