In the seventeenth century, what was the reason for a rise in the hierarchy of castes such as the Ahirs, Gujars, and Malis?

The profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture.

The correct answer is Option 2 - The profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture.

Castes such as the Ahirs, Gujars, and Malis rose in the hierarchy because of the profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture. 

The village community in 16th-17th century:

There was a direct correlation between caste, poverty and social status at the lower strata of society. Such correlations were not so marked at intermediate levels. In a manual from seventeenth-century Marwar, Rajputs are mentioned as peasants, sharing the same space with Jats, who were accorded a lower status in the caste hierarchy. The Gauravas, who cultivated land around Vrindavan (Uttar Pradesh), sought Rajput status in the seventeenth century. Castes such as the Ahirs, Gujars and Malis rose in the hierarchy because of the profitability of cattle rearing and horticulture. In the eastern regions, intermediate pastoral and fishing castes like the Sadgops and Kaivartas acquired the status of peasants.