- Megasthenese mentioned that during this period, the society was comprising seven castes, namely −
- Philosophers,
- Farmers,
- Soldiers,
- Herdsmen,
- Artisans,
- Magistrates, and
- Councillors
- Megasthenes, however, failed to comprehend the Indian society properly and confused among the terms jati, Varna, and the occupation.
- Chaturvarna system continued to govern the society.
- The urban way of life developed and the craftsmen enjoyed a high place in the society.
- Teaching continued to be the main job of the Brahmans.
- Buddhist monasteries were developed as important educational institutions. Taxila, Ujjayini, and Varanasi were famous educational centres.
- Technical education was generally provided through guilds, where pupils learnt the crafts from the early age.
- Joint family system was the norm in the domestic life.
- A married woman had her own property in the form of bride-gift (streedhana).
- Widows had given respect in the society. All streedhana (bride-gift and jewellery) belongs to her. Offences against women were severely dealt with.
- Kautilya also laid down penalties against officials, in charge of workshops and prisons who misbehaved with women.
- Megasthenes mentioned that slavery did not exist in India.
