YC only gives $14,000 for one founder ($11,000 + $3000n) http://ycombinator.com/apply.html. Maybe it's a lean YC, plus India is cheaper than US (esp SV), as you say.

EDIT I've heard YC funding gives about 3 months, so 1-1.5 months is 1/3-1/2 that. Of course, one expects to take a pay-cut when doing a startup - the test is not whether it's comparable to a job, but whether one can actually survive on it. (note I also said a "lean YC") BTW: I also find fascinating the idea of non-urban startups, since all you absolutely need is internet - rural living would be far cheaper (in US too).