Title: 'Kasar' community: migration from community business

Authors: Raju Varghese Vazhapilly; Leena B. Dam

Addresses: Global Business School & Research Centre (GBSRC), Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth, Pune, 411-033, India ' Sri Balaji University, Pune, India

Abstract: Community businesses have dominated the landscape of Indian business since time immemorial. Business communities of India were smaller communities based on religion or caste. Based on its origin, every business community had governing norms. These norms decided the product or service that the community dealt in. There were religious and social parameters governing the community. One such business community was the 'Kasar' community with major presence in Maharashtra. The community was traders of bangles and metal craft. 'Kasar' community and bangle trading are synonymous in Maharashtra. Bangles are ritually very important in several customs and traditions of India. Once, a thriving community in the bangle trading business, its members are now migrating away from their traditional business. The aim of this study is to analyse the business practises of this community. The study also investigates the possible reasons for shift in calling from traditional business to other opportunities.

Keywords: Indian business communities; caste system; best business practices; 'Kasar' business community; bangles; lakk bangles.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2022.126719

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2022 Vol.47 No.2/3, pp.254 - 268

Received: 02 Dec 2020
Accepted: 10 Aug 2021
Published online: 03 Nov 2022 *

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