The Gate of Mercy (Shaar Harahamim) is Mumbai's oldest synagogue. It was built in 1796 at Esplanade near Victoria Terminus by a Bene Israel Jew called Shamji Divekar (formerly Samuel Ezekiel Divekar). The synagogue was rebuilt in 1860 at its current location in Samuel Street (named so in the founder’s memory) in Mandvi area, Masjid Bunder.
On the outside, the synagogue is made of plain stuccowork, a blend of yellow and light blue. The interior is a striking contrast of white walls and dark woodwork. The blue ceiling is adorned with drop chandelier and dark metal lights. In the prayer-room is the Aron-Kodesh (Holy Ark) within a dexterously carved and gold-gilded wooden enclosure. Atop are two tablets with The Ten Commandments inscribed in Hebrew.
Employed as a 6th Battalion Commandant with the East India Company army, Shamji was held prisoner of war by Tipu Sultan during an Anglo-Mysore battle. Shamji's brother was also among those captured. All prisoners were to be sent to the gallows but having learnt that the brothers were Bene Israel Jews (a community that the Quran approves of) Tipu's mother (or wife by some accounts) took mercy on the brothers and had them duly released. Shamji later settled in Mumbai and built the Gate of Mercy synagogue in memory of the incredible incident of his life.
The Bene Israel (Sons of Israel), also called "Shanivar Teli" (Saturday oil-pressers), are believed to be the descendants of one of the Ten Lost Tribes. From late 18th century, they migrated from Konkan to Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, and Karachi.
More on Bene Israel at: https://www.peepultree.world/livehistoryindia/story/living-culture/bene-israel