Caste hierarchies laid in the dharamshastras and dharamsutras
i. The ideal order was laid down in the dharamshashtras as Brahamanas were ranked first, was divinely ordained, were supposed to study and teach the Vedas, perform sacrifices and get sacrifices performed ,give and receive gifts
ii. Kshatriyas were to engage in warfare, protect people and administer justice, study the Vedas, get sacrifices performed and make gifts.
iii. Vaishyas who were expected to engage in agriculture, pastoralist and trade.
iv. Shudders were assigned only one occupation that of serving the three higher varnas.
v. Brahmans evolved two or three strategies for enforcing these norms – to assert the Verna order to advice kings, to persuade people. To be assessed as a whole.