Society after Later Vedic Period

Society after Later Vedic Period:

-Four fold division of society with Brahmanas at the top.

-Upper three classes were called "Dvija" or Twice born, who alone were entitled to 'Upanayana' ceremony & hence education.

-Gotra became a system of clan exogamy.

-Earliest reference to four ashramas- Brahma, Charya, Grihasta, Vanaprasta & Sanyasa.

-Diet consisted of Rice (Vrihi), Sesamum (tila), millet (Syamaka), Mustard (Sarshapa) etc - While earlier it was 'Yava' (Barley) alone.

-Anuloma & Pratilona marriages were witnessed.