Gotra - Origin of Gotra

Origin of Gotra

Gotra is the Sanskrit term for a much older system of tribal clans. The Sanskrit term "Gotra" was initially used by the Vedic people for the identification of the lineages. Generally, these lineages mean patrilineal descent from the sages or rishis in Brahmins, warriors and administrators in Kshatriyas and ancestral trademen in Vaisyas.

The lineage system, either patrilineal or matrilineal, was followed by South Asian people. In present-day Hinduism, Gotra is applied to all the lineage systems.

The case of sage Vishwamitra is the example. Thus the gotra must have been of the lineage of the learning one chose rather than the lineage of one's birth. Rama is stated to be the descendant of Ikshwaku, but the lineage was broken when Kalmashpada got his son through Niyoga of Vashista with Kalmashapada's wife Madayanthi, and not through a biological liaison. Yet Rama is said to be Ikshwaku's descendant and not of Vashista. Some claim of a continuous biological linkage with the moola purusha of the Gothra, whereas it need not be the case. Some times, a Gotra is based on the Guru for the family or one of the ancestors.