Trades and professional practices have always been intertwined with the Caste
System in India. Each caste and its sub-sets would stereotype an individual and
dictate their occupational practice. Since the early 1800’s, people were not
allowed to deviate from their fixed professions or they would be outlawed by
society, which at the time, social morals reflected ignorance and strong
attachment to orthodox beliefs. The tradition of professions and trades being
passed down the line from father to son, continued for generations until
recently when globalization and rapid socio-economic change resulted in the
problem of enculturation and automation. At that point, many of the age-old
practices faded out, while others are currently on their way to extinction. The
modern Indian generation refuses to stick to their ancestral professions and
trades; they have become more daring and switch to the more lucrative
business possibilities. The abandonment of the traditional practices also result
from insufficient incomes, a desire to escape the caste stereotypes, the constant
neglect of the privileged classes of the society these people serve, and a
government that is not open to social reforms.
Global trends are constantly changing, therefore, in this frantic times, it's very
easy to forget our past, culture and traditions. I am not opposed to
modernization, but at the same time, I want to slow things down and force
one’s self to recognize and remember the beauty of these analog practices. As
a photographer, I want to use my craft to pay respect to these tradesmen and
bring them to light.
