281
It is thus evident that the average family of Atgam just
maintains itself from hand to mouth.
DISCUSSION OF THE ECONOMIC CONDITION OF THE
PEOPLE AS DIVIDED INTO ECONOMIC GROUPS
With a view to have a thorough grasp of the reality, we
ha.ve further divided the families into three econo-
mic groups. The classification adopted is the same as
that used by Dr. Mann in his village studies. These
groups may be defined as under :
I. Those families in which the income derived from land
is sufficient in a normal year to maintain them in a sound
economic condition.
II. Those families in which the income derived from
land, supplemented by income from other sources, like ani-
mals, skilled and unskilled labour or employment in out-
side places, is sufficient in an average year to maintain
them in a sound economic position.
III. Those families in which the economic position in an
average year is unsound, even when income from all
sources is considered.
The number of families in each of these groups, for the
village under study is :
Group I. 36 families
„ H. 1S5
„ III. 229 „
Total 450 femilies
This makes it quite obvious that out of 450 families
more than half are living below the reasonable standard
of living as understood by them. This is a serious state of
affairs. The natural question that arises at this stage is
as to why such a large proportion of families is living in
an unsound economic condition. A further analysis of
each of the above groups will help us in answering this
question.