Occupation in Indian villages reflects the base of the socio-economic culture

prevalent in rural areas of the country. The main occupation types in Indian
villages comprise of agriculture, fishing, weaving, cottage industry, handicrafts
etc.
Since the ancient period, Indian villagers have been involved in various
occupations out of which, agriculture is the principal one. Apart from agriculture,
the villagers are also involved in other occupations like fishing, farming, cottage
industry, pottery, business, various small, medium or large scale industries,
carpentry, etc. In the contemporary period, the evolution and advancement in
different industrial and technological sectors in India have opened new job
opportunities for the Indian villagers.
Traditional Occupation in Indian Villages
Agriculture remains the principal occupation in Indian village society from the
ancient period. The climatic conditions in most parts of India are suitable for
agricultural activities and hence, India has become one of the leading producers
of agricultural products in the world. In the changing time agriculture has been
replaced by other occupations in different parts of India in the contemporary
period. In the villages of hilly areas, the principal occupations include agriculture
and gardening. Agriculture is still the major source of income in the northern and
eastern Indian villages.
Other occupation in Indian villages includes the priests, carpenters, blacksmiths,
barbers, weavers, potters, oil pressers, leatherworkers, sweepers, water bearers,
toddy-tappers and many others.
Non-Traditional Occupation in Indian Villages
However, most of the modern day Indian villages present a different scenario
with villagers taking up the non-traditional occupations. They are involved in
academics as teachers; truckers, clerks or getting engaged with various cottage
industries, regardless of which caste or class they belong to.
Different types of occupations are found in the modern Indian villages apart from
agriculture or farming or the traditional occupations. The climate and location
influence occupation in Indian villages to a large extent. Several villagers in the
South Indian states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and
others have taken fishing as the main source of income. This is mainly because
of the coastal location of the states.
Cottage Industry in Indian Villages
Another major occupation in Indian villages is the cottage industry. Cottage
industry has emerged as a major source of employment in Indian villages over
the period of time. Many villagers are occupied in various kinds of art and crafts
works. The villagers produce different types of handicrafts products and many of
them are earning their livelihoods by marketing them. The occupations like
artisan in pottery, wood, cloth, metal and leather have been in existence in

Indian villages, since the ancient period and are found even in the modern times.
Many Indian villagers are dependent on these occupations to earn their
livelihoods.
The women in the rural areas, too are actively getting involved in different
industries like matchbox and firework industries, Bidi making, agate and slate
industries, coffee and tea industries, brick industry, construction industry,
electronics industry, spice industries, etc. Among these, the Bidi, slate or brick
making industries are the most well spread industries in Indian villages. Apart
from these industries, the Indian villagers have also become sweepers and
scavengers.
Tourism Industry in Indian Villages
Tourism in India in the Indian villages has emerged as one of the chief
occupations in Indian villages, in the contemporary period. Villages in most parts
of India are endowed with natural beauty and have a rich tradition and cultural
heritage.
The rich cultural diversity in the villages attracts many tourists from all over the
world every year. This has encouraged many villagers to get involved in various
tourism related occupations. The villagers work as tourist guides or run different
kinds of business in the famous tourist spots or even provide accommodation
facilities to the tourists to earn their livelihoods.
Other than the occupations mentioned above, there are several other means of
livelihood in rural India such as community, social and personal services; mining
and quarrying; real estate; post and telecommunication; health and social work;
educational services; public administration and national defence; wholesale and
retail trade; utilities supply and other activities.
The occupation scenario in Indian villages has changed mainly due to the
changing economical scenario of the villages of India. The invention of new
technologies has encouraged the Indian villagers to take up new occupations.
Apart from that, decline in the fertility of lands in many villages has also forced
many villagers to give up their traditional occupation of agriculture. Many of
these villagers have moved to the nearby urban areas in search for alternative
occupation and sources of income.