Explanation: Thus, even though a socially organised “varna system” was not prevalent and tribal elements were stronger in the society yet Rig Vedic society can still not be considered a totally egalitarian society as social stratification was based on the division of labour and gender.

The only mention of the four varnas was found in the Purusashukta of the tenth mandal of the Rig Veda, which makes one conclude that the varna system was probably introduced at the end of the Rig Vedic age and that there was social mobility and the absence of strict social hierarchy. However, the Rig Vedic people were familiar with slavery.

Source: Tamil Nadu NCERT