If you’ve ever spent any time in India, you’ll know that one of the myriad fascinating aspects of the country is that so many trades that have been automated in the west are still done by hand on the subcontinent. NYC-based photographer Supranav Dash has documented many of these occupations in his new series Marginal Trades, which we spotted via PetaPixel. With India’s rapidly modernizing economy putting many of these trades under threat, Dash’s portraits serve as a record of a disappearing world, as well as beautiful examples of the art form in general. Check out more of Dash’s work at his website.
Knife grinder. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Broom maker. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Barber. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Iron fabricators. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Ear cleaner. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Chai wallah. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Potter. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Sugar cane seller. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Street typist. Photo credit: Supranav Dash
Cycle rickshaw. Photo credit: Supranav Dash