Final answer:
Ancient Indian society was organized into a hierarchical caste system, which was closely linked with Hindu religious beliefs. Buddhism and Jainism arose as significant movements that challenged the caste system. Despite these challenges, the hierarchical structure drawn from Hindu theology deeply influenced societal roles and the overarching worldviews of the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The ancient Indian society, especially during the first millennium BCE, was structured into a hierarchical caste system. This system was deeply intertwined with the Hindu religious beliefs. The social structure constituted four main classes or 'varnas': the brahmins (priests), the kshatriya (warriors), the vaishyas (merchants and craftsmen), and the shudras (servants). These broad categories were further refined into numerous sub-castes, each with specific duties and societal roles. The caste system enforced a rigid social order believed to be ordained by the gods. Within Hinduism, individual duties (dharma) and the law of karma (actions and their effects) were central concepts that influenced this social structure.
Religious beliefs in ancient India were predominantly based around Hinduism, which developed from the earlier Vedic religion and the societal changes brought about by the Aryan invasion. However, significant movements such as Buddhism and Jainism rose in prominence by challenging the caste system and advocating for principles like non-violence (ahimsa) and spiritual development through ascetic practices.