Gotras

Gotra is a term in Hindu social organization referring to a patrilineal lineage traced to a common male ancestor, usually a sage (rishi). The name derives from Sanskrit gotra, meaning descendants or lineage. A person is said to belong to the gotra of their paternal forebear, and members of the same gotra are traditionally considered to share a spiritual ancestor.

Origins and structure: In many Hindu communities, each gotra is associated with a particular rishi, such as Bharadwaja, Kashyapa, Vasishtha, Agastya, Angirasa, Atri, Gautama, or Bhrigu. In addition to the main lineage, lineages may maintain a pravara, a list of related sages used in ritual recitations and ceremonies to identify the lineage and invoke specific rites.

Social use and marriage: Traditionally, many communities observe exogamy with respect to gotra, meaning one should not marry a person who belongs to the same gotra. Practices vary by region and community; in modern times, these rules are often treated as cultural guidelines rather than strict prohibitions, and marriages may proceed across gotras.

Regional variation and scope: Gotra systems are widespread in Hindu society and can differ in emphasis across regions and communities. They are used for genealogical identification, ritual roles, and as a cultural marker of lineage, rather than as a fixed legal status.

Modern context: While still observed in some families and communities, the importance of gotras has diminished in urban settings and among many younger generations, where marriage and kinship are influenced by factors beyond traditional lineage.