[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c4.1368 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c4.1368 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c4.1368 - **Language:** English ### [c4.1368](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1368) During the Ṛgvedic times their social structure was divided into four stages: Grāma was a colony of families and was the nucleus of the society. A number of gramas formed into a place called Viṣaya. A number of Viṣayas became what was known as ‘Janam’. The importance of Janas can be understood by the state- - [Previous: c4.1367](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1367) - [Next: c4.1369](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1369) - [Up: c4](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1368](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c4.1368) · Pramāṇa