Elevator usage patterns reveal insights into India's collective mindset
In the heart of India, where tradition and modernity intertwine, the story of lifts (elevators) unfolds. This journey began in 1892, with the installation of the first lift in the Kolkata Raj Bhavan, the Governor of Bengal's official residence [1]. For over a century, Indian lifts remained largely unchanged, characterised by heavy iron collapsible gates and a lift operator (lift-man) who pressed the buttons for passengers.
As Indian cities grew vertically, lifts became essential in residential and commercial high-rise buildings. This included the development of service lifts to segregate household staff and other service workers from the main residents, reflecting social and economic hierarchies. These service lifts allowed domestic workers to enter and leave a building without mingling with residents, often controlled through identity documents such as Aadhaar cards or passports [1].
Regarding behaviors and etiquette associated with lifts in India, there is no formal education or widespread instruction on lift manners—it is mostly learned informally or "the hard way." An example of common behaviour includes people waiting for a lift rushing in immediately as the doors open without allowing passengers inside the lift to exit first, creating a "vertical local train" effect. This behavior has been linked to a scarcity mindset and a lack of civic sense among users, indicating that lift etiquette is often overlooked in practice [1].
In growing Indian cities, elevators were used to stack up more people, and service lifts were invented to allow for the coming and going of service workers without their visibility. However, the use of lifts is not just about efficiency; they also serve as mini dressing rooms, with life-size mirrors allowing people to check their appearance before stepping out.
The safety device, invented by Elisha Otis and his sons in 1852, played a crucial role in the mass adoption of lifts. Otis, the founder of Otis, the largest lift manufacturer with a revenue of $14 billion, revolutionised the industry with his design [1]. Yet, despite the advancements in technology, some traditional practices persist in Indian lifts. For instance, it is common to press the down button when wanting to go up, to bring the lift to the desired floor rather than indicating the destination.
Moreover, Indian lifts often provide a network-free zone for introspection or avoiding interactions with fellow passengers, as phones are often left in pockets. People often squeeze themselves out when someone at the back needs to exit, due to a reluctance to relinquish personal space. However, there is a growing awareness and efforts to improve lift etiquette in India, mirroring the nation's ongoing evolution and learning.
In conclusion, lifts in India have evolved from manually operated iron-gated contraptions, reliant on operators, to necessary infrastructure in vertical urban living with socially symbolic distinctions such as service lifts. Common lift usage behavior is often hurried and informal, lacking standardized etiquette. Yet, with increasing urbanisation and a focus on improving quality of life, it is hoped that lift etiquette in India will continue to evolve, reflecting a more considerate and inclusive society.
[1] Asthana, A. (Tweet, 2021, January 1). #IndiaLifts: A Journey Through Time and Elevation. [Personal tweet]. @gabbbarsingh.
- In addition to their functional role in Indian high-rise buildings, lifts have become mini dressing rooms, allowing people to check their appearance before stepping out.
- Fashion-and-beauty consciousness is reflected in the way individuals use lifts as spaces for quick vanity checks.
- As the story of lifts in India unfolds, it is evident that they have become an integral part of daily lifestyle, serving various purposes beyond mere transportation.
- The use of service lifts, a response to vertical urban living, has also reflected social and economic hierarchies within Indian society.
- The invention of the safety device by Elisha Otis and his sons in 1852 played a crucial role in the mass adoption of lifts worldwide, including in India.
- Education-and-self-development about lift etiquette is essential for creating a more considerate and inclusive society in India's growing cities.
- In the realm of personal-growth and relationship-building, lifting etiquette can offer opportunities for cultivating patience, empathy, and mindfulness towards fellow passengers.
