During the 17th century , they split into Catholic and Malankara Church factions .
The Knanaya are descendants of Syrian Christians of Jewish origin who reportedly migrated to the Malabar coast during the fourth century under the leadership of Nestorian Thomas of Cana .
During the 17th century , Syrian Christians split into Catholic and Malankara Church factions .
The Knanaya are descendants of Syrian Christians of Jewish origin who reportedly migrated to the Malabar coast during the fourth century under the leadership of Nestorian Thomas of Cana .