ICSE Class 6 Answered

The varna classification of society which originated during the Early Vedic period became rigid during the Later Vedic period. The four classes came to be known by this time as the four ‘castes’. Castes were determined by birth rather than by occupation. There was no upward social mobility and even inter-caste marriages were prohibited. As a result of this rigidity, society was sharply divided. The ruling class consisted of the brahamanas and kshatriyas. The vaishyas performed the duties of artisans, traders and farmers. The shudras were the depressed class which served the other three castes.