Within the varna-based society, smaller castes called jatis emerged. Jatis, rather than varna, became the basis for organizing society.
- Many tribes and social groups were taken into caste-based society and given the status of jatis. Specialised artisans – smiths, carpenters and masons – were also recognised as separate jatis by the Brahmanas.
- The rise of jatis led to unequal social order and greater divide between castes.
- Varnas helped identify people with specialized skills and formalized labor