Nine Rupees An Hour

Nine Rupees an Hour: Disappearing Livelihoods of Tamil Nadu by Aparna Karthikeyan is a work of narrative non-fiction that documents the lives of people whose traditional occupations are gradually disappearing in rural Tamil Nadu. Based on five years of travel and reporting, the book presents ten deeply observed stories that examine the impact of urbanisation, economic change and shifting social priorities on communities and livelihoods. It offers readers an insightful perspective on the challenges facing rural India and the questions these changes raise about culture, development and sustainability.

Blending reportage with personal encounters, the book highlights the experiences of individuals whose work reflects generations of knowledge and tradition. Through these stories, readers gain a clearer understanding of the social and economic transformations reshaping villages and the people striving to preserve their way of life.

About This Book

Aparna Karthikeyan chronicles the lives of men and women engaged in occupations that are increasingly under threat in a rapidly changing India. Across ten narratives, she explores how changing economic conditions, migration and development have altered rural livelihoods over the past twenty-five years while documenting the resilience and aspirations of the people she meets.

The book also features interviews with journalist P. Sainath, musician T.M. Krishna and writer Bama, adding further perspectives on rural livelihoods, culture and social change. Together, these accounts provide a thoughtful examination of the relationship between traditional occupations, food security, development and India's evolving rural landscape.

What You'll Discover

• Ten real-life stories of disappearing traditional livelihoods in Tamil Nadu.
• Insights into the effects of urbanisation on rural communities.
• Perspectives on culture, development and economic transformation.
• Discussions on food security and the future of farming communities.
• Interviews with P. Sainath, T.M. Krishna and Bama.
• A ground-level account of changing rural life in contemporary India.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in rural India and social issues.
• Students and researchers of sociology, development and public policy.
• Readers of narrative journalism and reportage.
• Those interested in Tamil Nadu's cultural and economic history.
• Anyone exploring contemporary Indian non-fiction.

Why You'll Love This Book

Nine Rupees an Hour: Disappearing Livelihoods of Tamil Nadu combines immersive reporting with compelling personal stories to explore the changing realities of rural India. It offers a thoughtful account of traditional occupations, social transformation and the enduring value of communities whose livelihoods are increasingly at risk.