For most Hindus, dharma became concrete in the innumerable rituals that Asoka found useless and in Indian civilization's countless forms of mandated social behavior. Faith, worship and social duty all came from dharma.

Established in Bhagavad Gita, dharma defines caste duties by Lord Krishna.

Buddhist Dharma
the wisdom realizing emptiness, and the absence of suffering and its causes that this wisdom brings. In a more general sense, Dharma refers to the teachings and doctrine of the Buddha

Class and gender distinctions of one sort or another were common to all ancient civilizations, but the caste system as we know is unique to India.

Varna - Four caste levels
Jati - Occupation tied to your caste. Dictated social norms and organization. Guilds were highly important in solving civil disputes and maintaining order.