In India specialization of business occupation often coincides with communities. Social scientists have so far paid little attention to trading castes and to social relations found in market places. Breaking this lethargy, the book gives a fascinating account of the commercial organization of a business caste in an urban setting in the context of commercial entrepreneurship. In this micro-study the problems of capital mobilization, ownership patterns, entrepreneurial performance, community ethos and social relations involved in trade and commerce are examined. An analysis of the role-set of the jewelers and the vegetable dealers shows that even in a monetized and impersonal market, there is a lot of personal and non-economic relationship. The book also highlights the conflicting relationship that exists betwe4en the traders and the casual workers who too form a part and parcel of the market place. The question of transition from the bazaar capitalism to the industrial capitalism is a crucial aspects of the economy of the underdeveloped countries. A systematic examination of a few instances indicates that such a transformation, though rudimentary, is indeed taking place. The traditional image of the Indian trader as someone who enjoys chicanery is no longer valid. Covering a variety of issues relating to traders in a market town, this book is a valuable guide not only to sociologists, social anthropologists but also to scholars of commerce and economics.
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