Contents: Introduction. 1. Traditional occupation. 2. Contemporary occupation and changes in the occupational patterns. 3. Household size and population composition. a. Household size. b. Population composition. 4. Nature and extent of changes in traditional occupation in some selected communities. Concluding observation. Select bibliography.

"Based on the data collected during 1959-60 in connection with a major national project sponsored by the Anthropological Survey of India, this volume provides interesting picture of the occupational structure of India in the pre-green revolution days. The traditional callings, castewise and occupationwise changes in the rural India and some notable features of rural settlements have been elucidated with empirical facts. This work also helps us to examine how far these features have undergone qualitative changes in the last thirtyfive years during which period social, political and economic changes have encompassed this biggest democracy of the world" (jacket)