crossgotra

Crossgotra is a term used in contemporary sociological and genealogical discourse to describe connections across traditional Hindu gotra lineages. In Hindu social organization, a gotra denotes a patrilineal descent lineage believed to originate from a common ancient rishi. Crossgotra denotes relationships, alliances, or marital patterns that span multiple gotras, challenging the idea of strict gotra-based endogamy in certain contexts. The term is not part of classical Hindu law; rather, it has emerged in modern scholarship to analyze how communities adapt gotra concepts in urban, diasporic, or legally flexible settings.

Etymology: the word combines cross- with gotra to indicate crossing lines of descent.

Usage: in demographic research and ethnography, crossgotra may be used to categorize marriages or kinship ties that link individuals from different gotras, or to describe social identities that incorporate multiple gotra lineages due to adoption, step-parenting, or intermarriage. in some diasporic communities, individuals may maintain multiple gotra affiliations or select a spouse from a different gotra, a practice sometimes described as a crossgotra arrangement.

Significance and debate: scholars debate whether crossgotra is a meaningful, distinct category or a descriptive label for evolving marriage practices. Critics note that gotra concepts vary widely by community, and that crossgotra as a formal category can obscure local norms and legal considerations.

See also: gotra, sapinda, exogamy, marriage customs.