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Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 12: Chapter 3: Verses 26-36
The qualities of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas are seen (manifested) in men; impelled by force of time they wax or wane in the mind. When the mind, intellect and senses abound in Sattva, and when people are interested in practising asceticism and acquiring wisdom, then one should understand that Satyayuga prevails. When people are fond of religious merit, earthly possessions and worldly enjoyment, then know that there is Tretayuga, when Rajas is active, 0 intelligent one ! When, however, greed, discontent, pride, hypocrisy and jealousy prevail and man is fond of actions prompted by desire, know that it is Dwapara, when (both) Rajas and Tamas predominate. When duplicity, mendacity, drowsiness, excessive sleep, violence, dejection, grief, infatuation, fear and wretchedness prevail, that is recognized as the age of Kali, characterized by (the predominance of Tamas, as a result of which people become dull-witted (viz., unable to judge things in their proper perspective) and are unlucky but voracious, voluptuous and destitute. And women (too) turn out to be profligate. And unchaste. Countries are infested with robbers; the Vedas stand condemned by heretics; rulers exploit the people; and the Brahmanas remain devoted to the gratification of sexual desires and intent on filling their belly. Religious students will give up the course of conduct prescribed for them and fail to observe purity, and householders will take to begging; hermits will take up their residence in villages and recluses will be, seized with an ardent longing for wealth. Women will be short-statured but voracious, prolific and destitute of modesty. They will always speak harsh words and will be given to thieving and wiles and very daring. Low-minded traders will carry on business transactions and practise fraud. Even when they are not in distress people will favour pursuits which are condemned. Servants will leave their masters when reduced to penury, though superior in every (other) respect; and masters too will discharge their servant, -when incapacitated for service (through ailment etc.)., even though he may be hereditary. (Even so) people will cease to maintain cows when they no longer yield milk.
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