The institution of Varna appeared in the

Answer & Explanation

Answer: [B]

The institution of Varna appeared in the Later Vedic period. The Later Vedic period, which followed the Rig Vedic period, is associated with the composition of the Brahmanas, Aranyakas, and Upanishads. It was during this period that the concept of Varna, or the social division of society based on occupation and birth, became more defined and codified. The four main Varnas, or social classes, were Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (warriors and rulers), Vaishyas (merchants and farmers), and Shudras (laborers and servants). This system of Varna became an integral part of the social fabric of ancient Indian society and was later further developed into the caste system.