• The position of shudras improved in this period, as they were now permitted to listen to the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas.

• They could also worship a new god Krishna. They were also allowed to perform certain domestic rites, which brought fee to the priests.

• The women belonging to the upper varnas lacked proprietary rights and this, along with their complete dependence on men for their livelihood, was the main reason behind their subordination.