Massive innovations, including the production of calico, cashmere, and cotton, along with chemical advances in steelmaking, contributed to India's economic progress. India was also very successful in trade, and as a result, traders received a slight increase in status. However, India still remained largely agricultural during the classical period. Roman society was quite progressive during the Classical period. Being an upper-class Roman meant having to be vigorously involved in politics and frequently discussing Roman affairs with peers. The upper class also stimulated Rome's desire to trade in luxury goods. Women also began to gain power during this period. While the husband and father was still the head of the house and oppression of women continued to occur, women began to gain influence and even gained the right to own some property.