Explanation: Religion and society during the post-Mauryan period witnessed the following changes.

• Rise of Brahmanism: People in the post-Mauryan period practised Vedic religion, Buddhism, and Jainism. However, Brahmanism experienced a resurgence under Shunga’s rule. There was an increase in rituals such as Ashwamedha and Rajasuya.

Stories of Pushyamitra’s brutality and hostility against Buddhism are described in the Divyavadana.

• Varna system: During the post-Mauryan period, the four-fold varna system was also revived. Thus, the social structure became rigid as the fourfold varna system was strengthened. The dominance of priests and the ruling class was strengthened, while the conditions of Shudras remained unchanged.
• Position of women: Women’s position in society was generally limited to domestic roles, and they were expected to follow strict codes of conduct as mentioned in the Manusmriti.
• Cultural expanse: It was the period of the emergence of various mixed castes and the integration of foreigners into Indian society.

Source: Poonam Dahiya