The medieval period saw the emergence of a socially and economically diverse society in which jati or caste played an important role. Jati or caste established a social hierarchy. Ranking of a person in the society was determined by the caste to which he/she belonged. On the basis of jatis, jati panchayats were formed. Jati panchayats had the responsibility to control the conduct of their members as per the rules framed by them.