Ancient India in the Vedic Period (c. 1500-1000 BCE) did not have social stratification based on socio-economic indicators; rather, citizens were classified according to their Varna or castes. 'Varna' can literally mean 'colour' but in ancient texts it defined broad social categories; it signified the type, order or class of people. Four principal categories are defined in ancient texts: Brahmins (priests, gurus, etc.), Kshatriyas (warriors, kings, administrators, etc.), Vaishyas (agriculturalists, traders, etc., also called Vysyas), and Shudras (labourers). Each Varna propounded specific life principles to follow; individuals were required to follow the customs, rules, conduct, and beliefs fundamental to their respective Varnas.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original content at https://www.worldhistory.org/article/1152/caste-system-in-ancient-india/.