Explanation:

In post-Vedic times society was clearly divided into four varnas Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas and Sudras. Each varna was assigned well-defined functions, although it was emphasised that varna was based, on birth and the two higher varnas were given some privileges The Brahmanas, who were given the functions of priests and teachers, claimed the highest status in society. They demanded several privileges, including those of receiving gifts and exemption from taxation and punishments, In post-Vedic texts, we have many in stances of such privileges enjoyed by them. The kshatriyas- ranked second in the varna hierarchy. They fought and governed and lived on the taxes collected from the peasants. The Vaisyas were engaged in agriculture, cattle-rearing and trade. They appear as the principal taxpayer. However, along with the two higher varnas, they were placed in the category of dvija or the twice-born. A dvija was entitled to wearing sacred thread and studying the Vedas from which the Sudras were kept out The Sudras were meant for serving the three higher varnas, and; along with women were barred, from taking to Vedic studies. They appear as domestic slaves, agricultural slaves, craftsmen and hired labourers in post-Vedic times. They were called cruel, greedy and thieving in habits and some of them were treated as untouchables. The higher the varna the more privileged and purer a person was. The lower the varna of an offender, the more severe was the punishment prescribed for him.