Agriculture was the main occupation of the people. Besides Sudras, Brahmans, Kshatriyas and Vaishyas had their own land. Wheat, rice, barley etc. were mostly produced food materials. Among fruits, mangoes and apples were mostly grown.
Besides agriculture, cattle rearing was another common profession. People domesticated cows, buffaloes, horses, goats, etc in an wide sense.
Mostly the trades were in the hands of Vaishyas who had organized themselves into different srenis. There were many trades and industries. During the reign of the Chalukyas silk, ivory, diamonds, pearls and spices were exported in great quantities to foreign countries.