India's New Capitalists Caste, Business, and Industry in a Modern Nation [Hardcover]

In order to do business effectively in contemporary South Asia, it is necessary to understand the culture, the ethos, and the region's new trading communities. In tracing the modern-day evolution of business communities in India, this book uses social history to systematically document and understand India's new entrepreneurial groups.Introduction The Old Merchant Communities Brahmins, Khatris, and Babus Kammas, Reddys, and Rajus Kongunad Naidus and Gounders Nadars and Ezhavas Patidars and Marathas The Paradox of Northern Farming Communities A Note on the Minorities Conclusion

'It's no secret that some communities have predominated in India's business and trading history. That's changing now, and Damodaran captures change and the rise of new entrepreneurial groups in the 15 case studies in this book.' - Pico Iyer, Business Standard India

HARISH DAMODARAN is?a journalist who has worked for more than 16 years as a reporter and editorial analyst with the Press Trust of India and the Hindu Business Line. Currently Senior Assistant Editor at?The Hindu Business Line, Damodaran?has specialised in agri-business and commodities coverage. Insights from field-level?reportage have helped in complimenting his wider interest in macro-economic policy, business and development issues. In December 2004, Damodaran was conferred a book writing-fellowship from the New India Foundation, Bangalore, which resulted in the present book.