One thing I was really surprised by when I first visited India, no buskers! Every other big city I've ever visited has had people playing music everywhere for tips. Nowhere to be found in India.
Such people who play for tips[In India they are actually called beggars] are found in local trains, or bus stops where as a foreigner you are least likely to visit.
So now you know that its not a very honorable way of making money in India.
You're right, honor doesn't factor into it in the U.S. But it sounds like in India, musicians don't busk because they are afraid of being perceived as beggars. Which is unfortunate.
