Entrepreneurship developed only in the beginning of the 19th century and though the base for industrialization had been laid a century ago. The following be the main reasons, which could be responsible for lack of initiative and entrepreneurial spirit among the Indians.
1. Caste System: - This decided occupation for members from each caste. The altitudes were restrictive and therefore there were no changes of accumulating wealth and promoting production.
2. Agriculture: - Agriculture was the main occupation. Farmers and cultivators were always in the clutches of the money lenders. The zamindars, nawabs and rajahs exploited the laborers. They spent money on enjoyment and luxury and never risked money in industry. Banking and commercial system was also absent so even if there were savings, they could not be utilized for productive use.
3. Educational System: - Talented young men were prepared to take white collared jobs or join government or professional services. Many were attracted towards politics. The result was that very few young men got attracted towards becoming efficient, industrialists, technicians, managers etc.
4. Colonial Rules: - The British rulers adopted discriminatory policy Rich
Indian businessman had special connections with foreign rulers and both satisfied their self interests. Even the few insurance and banking services catered to the needs of some rich Indian businessman, Britishers in India did also not encourage Industrialization.
5. Managing Agents: - There were just a handful of people who were known to be having managerial skills. On common basis, these agents would lend their skills to some top industries. Industrialists could not manage their own units. They were always at the mercy of the managing agents who filled their pockets with big chunks of the companies’ profits and took full advantage of Indian industrialists till the managing agency system was abolished in 1970.
6. Joint Family System: - Younger members of the family always depended on the Head who never gave any kind of independence or encouraged units other than family business ones. A number of young men were discouraged from diversifying from family business and doing something new and different.
7. Religious attitude: - Indians were very religious mi9nded. They gave more time to religion than to earning material wealth. Religion got priority over business. Some religions even condemned excess earnings and indulgence I in comforts. Industrial activity was, therefore, given secondary consideration by the religious Indians.
8. Mindset: - The mindset of the average Indian was never entrepreneurial. Our religious literature and epics told us to have patience and to keep on working without expecting the fruits of labor. This also killed the drive and desire to get into entrepreneurial activities.
9. Recognition by the society: - In earlier days, the heroes India were the social reformers and the politicians. Now it is the era of sportsmen, models and film stars. It is sad that successful or the struggling entrepreneurs have never been recognized as heroes. Entrepreneurial activity did not get due importance in the Indian society.
10. Family Background: - Empirical studies have shown that a good number of entrepreneurs come from families with industrial backgrounds. Unfortunately, only a few entrepreneurial communities in India made entrepreneurial contribution. These communities could also not make headway in the entrepreneurial field on account of the colonial rule, lack of infrastructure and other facilities. Entrepreneurship development could only take place after independence in India.
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