Evolution of Industrial Relations in India In India the industrial relations have been seen through the following three stages: 1. Occupati ons in Indi a a. Labour in me die val I ndi a b. Guilds and union. 2. Indust ria l Relations in India a. Ea rl !ri ti sh Rule b. 1 st "orld "ar to #re$Independence #eriod c. #os t i ndepe ndence p er iod. 1. Occupations in ancient I ndia: In those das% the prime occupation in India was &'griculture(. )rading was of second importance. *anual service formed the third area of preference. *a+oritof the states were ruled b,ings. India was greatladvanced in the industrial field% this is evident from the &-autilas 'rthashastra(. )his gives a comprehensive picture of the organisations and functions of the social and political institutions in ancient India. )he caste sstem had great influence on the development and progress of these industries and occupation. )he concept of caste sstems was originallbased on the transfer of s,ills and speciali/ations which ultimatelled to standardi/ation of professions. )he &'tarvana( 0e da divides the communitinto four categories: 1. -sha tria 2. 0a isha . hudra 3. 'ra )he following professions become hereditar: Goldsmiths% weavers% potters% blac,smiths% carpenters% hunters% charioteers% architects% sculptors% armourers. #ersons engaged in these occupations become separate communities. (a) La bour Me di eval India : )he caste sstem unified a number of persons belonging in particular occupations and formed the basis of occupational guilds. Indian wor,s of art and crafts were badlruined with the foreign invasions% which lasted 455 ears. )hese artisans gradualllost the traditional s,ills. )his led to the state that there was no difference between a slave and these artisans. )he situation improved onlafter restoration of law and order under the *ughals. 6nder ',bar% government factories operated in 'gra% Lahore% 7atehpur and 'hmedabad% where emploees could develop respective art. ' large number of occupations were also carried on bsmall manufacturers and traders in their cottages mostlon a hereditarbasis. ' ma+oritof artisans lived in the fringe of starvation.
