The institution of varna appeared in the

A. Rigvedic period

B. Later vedic period

C. Period of the Manava Dharm Shastra

D. Period of consolidation of text of the Mahabharata

Answer: Option A

Solution(By Examveda Team)

The word appears in the Rigveda, where it means "colour, outward appearance, exterior, form, figure or shape". The word means "color, tint, dye or pigment" in the Mahabharata. Varna contextually means "colour, race, tribe, species, kind, sort, nature, character, quality, property" of an object or people in some Vedic and medieval texts. Varna refers to four social classes in the Manusmriti.