Traditional Occupations of India India is one of the richest countries as far as art and culture are concerned. Few countries in the world have such an ancient and diverse culture as does this country. Despite diversity, there has been cultural and social cohesiveness of an enduring nature. Over the years, the stability of this culture has been maintained more through the social and cultural practices, though there have been some disruptions through foreign invasions and upheavals.
Agriculture has been one of the major occupations for a large proportion of the population because the climatic conditions in most parts of India are suitable for agricultural activities. Since almost per cent of the population lives in rural areas, farming is the largest source of employment for millions of people. A considerable proportion of them are involved in farming small plots of land, many of which may not even be owned by them leading to only marginal production of crops. Such poor yield may not be even sufficient for family consumption, leave alone permitting sale of produce for profit.
In most parts of the country, some farmers produce cash crops for sale in urban markets, and in some areas, crops such as tea, coffee, cardamom and rubber are of great economic importance because they bring in foreign exchange. India is the largest producer of cashew nut, coconut, milk, ginger, turmeric and black pepper in the world. It is the one of the largest producers of fruits and vegetables, spices and condiments and tea. Yet another important traditional occupation has been fishing because of the country’s very long coastline.
Handicrafts have been one of the traditional occupations in Indian villages, and today many Indian arts and crafts are very popular in the international market and have become a means of livelihood for the rural folk. Some examples of crafts are wood craft, pottery, metal craft, jewellery making, ivory craft, comb craft, glass and paper craft, embroidery, weaving, dyeing and printing, shell craft, sculpture, terracotta, sholapitha craft, dhurries, rugs and carpets, clay and iron items, etc. Weaving is a cottage industry in India.