The traditional occupations based on caste, such as pot making, blacksmithing, and the crafts of Vishwakarmas, Padmashalis, and Mudiraj, have been left behind. Given the socio-economic changes in society, the individuals associated with these traditional professions have been compelled to switch to other forms of work to sustain their livelihoods.

Farmers and weavers struggled under a huge financial burden, pressed into an impossible situation that—together with other stress factors—drove some to suicide. In the wake of these tragedies, families are left with not only the emotional fallout of losing a member to suicide but also with the reality of having lost a breadwinner.

Peasants and weavers knew deep poverty, with many of them living below the inconceivably low line set by the government, thanks to our stupid, unnecessary economic policies. Back then, anyone could see that the combined blunders of the state and the Local Landlords were at the root of the problem.

Weavers who operated power looms contracted all sorts of occupational ailments, and those who didn’t have the money for doctoring all too often died young as a result.