The Brahmanas, in ancient times, laid down codes of social behaviour in great detail which were compiled in Sanskrit texts. These were known as

Dharamsutras Dharmashastras Vedas Both1 and 2

Both1 and 2

Faced with the growing challenge to their beliefs, the Brahmanas responded by laying down codes of social behaviour in great detail. These were meant to be followed by Brahmanas in particular and the rest of society in general. From c. 500 BCE, these norms were compiled in Sanskrit texts known as the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.