THE LAND THAT THRIVED ON CASHEW AND COIR

From the late 19th century until the latter half of the 20th century, Kollam emerged as the ‘commercial capital’ of Travancore. Its cashew processing industry earned it the title ‘cashew citadel of the world,’ employing thousands of women. Allied industries such as brick and tile manufacturing, coir production, matchbox and pencil-making, and wooden packing cases flourished. The Punalur Paper Mills was a major player in South India, while tea factories in the eastern sector significantly contributed to exports. Kollam also had its own aerated soft drink brand, Love-O, which was immensely popular in the 1960s. However, economic liberalisation and industrial shifts led to the decline of many of these industries, causing widespread job losses.