The Irish-American Entrepreneur Who Revolutionized Alappuzha’s Coir Industry

Irish-American Entrepreneur James Darragh’s Legacy in Alappuzha’s Coir Industry

Alappuzha, known for its stunning backwaters, also boasts a rich history of coir production. The industry, which was traditionally non-mechanised, gained global recognition in the 19th century, thanks to the efforts of James Darragh, an Irish-born American entrepreneur.

Darragh arrived in the princely state of Travancore in the 1850s and established a factory for coir mats in Alleppey in 1859. Prior to his intervention, coir products were mainly used for ropes and nets, but Darragh’s innovative approach transformed the economic landscape of Alappuzha.

His success in India was not widely known in the United States until another Brooklyn resident, Charles Getschow, visited Travancore in the 1880s and shared Darragh’s story with the American public. Darragh’s early struggles and eventual triumph were lauded by Getschow, who described him as a remarkable individual.

Despite the lack of detailed information about Darragh, his impact on the coir industry in Alappuzha was significant. He married a “high caste Hindoo” woman in Alappuzha, and his business partnership with Henry Smail continued even after his death in Cairo in 1889.

The legacy of Darragh and his contributions to the coir industry were a topic of conversation among the elite in New York for years. His success in revolutionising the Alappuzha coir industry would have made him a celebrated figure in the business world had he returned to the United States.

James Darragh’s story is a testament to the global reach of entrepreneurship and the enduring impact of individuals who dare to venture into uncharted territories. His legacy lives on in the thriving coir industry of Alappuzha, a testament to his vision and determination.