2. Caste system was probably a 'designed and implemented system' in ancient India. Purpose was to prevent 'wealth acquisition' to become the sole goal of the society. 'Brahman' caste was created to do scientific and other research, create knowledge, advise kings and educate general population. Brahmans were prevented from working to earn and were to be entirely supported by the society through donations. Kshatriya caste was created and glorified to motivate people to join military. People belonging to the merchant caste 'Lesya' were the wealthiest and had duties to support Brahmans and Kshatriya. The fourth caste was that of Saudra, the artisans, smiths, and skilled. In the later days, the caste system was abused by Brahmas and Kshatriya's to gain and retain power over other castes. This was also made dynastic and merit no longer counted. Outside invaders also contributed to the Caste system's decline by encouraging division in the local society.

5. The Mauryan Empire overcame natural and geographic obstacles, as well as India’s complex social hierarchy, to politically unify India. The Mauryan Empire’s longest-lasting impact was to expedite the formation of a common Indian civilization. Particularly important was the conversion of the Mauryan ruler Ashoka to Buddhism, resulting in the spread of Buddhist influence. Even after the collapse of the Mauryan Empire, there continued to be economic, cultural, and intellectual development that was at least partially due to Mauryan rule.

7. From evidence in Gupta literary works, Indian women’s standing had declined noticeably since the Vedic period. This decline was due in large part to the emergence of a nonagricultural middle class, which placed a high value on the acquisition and inheritance of property. As a result, women lost the right to own and inherit property. They were also barred from participating in many religious ceremonies. In addition, they were married at increasingly younger ages so that they could be trained in the husband’s house. The most extreme example of Indian women’s position was the ritual of sati, in which a