GOTRA AND SOCIAL SYSTEM

IN ANCIENT INDIA

BY- MANAS NEMA

UID: UG19-62
 INTRODUCTION

 India’s caste system is among the world’s oldest forms of surviving social stratification. The
caste system which divides Hindus into four different groups based on karma which means
work and dharma that is duty is generally accepted to be more than 3000 years back. This
system of different caste on the basis of occupation is called Varna System.
 In this system the four groups are Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras. Among these
four classes of people, gotra system applies only in first three classes and not in Shudras.
 Gotra in the Hindu tradition can be translated as lineage or the clan to which a person belongs.
 ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF CASTE
SYSTEM
 The origin of social system based on caste has many theories behind it. Some are
religious, while others are biological.
 Religious theory- According to this theory, the primal man, Purush destroyed
himself four parts and created four different varnas. The Brahmins were from his
head, Kshatriyas from hands, Vaishyas from thighs, and the Shudras from his feet.
 Biological theory- This theory claims that all the existing things inherit one of
three categories of qualities. These three are Gunas: Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas.
Sattva qualities include characteristics related to wisdom, intelligence, honesty, and
other positive qualities which is predominant in brahmins. Rajas include qualities
such as passion, pride, and valor which is present in Kshatriyas and Vaishyas.
Tamas, have qualities that include dullness, lack of creativity and other negative
qualities which is predominant in shudras.
CASTE SYSTEM

 Brahmins- Brahmin Varna includes priests, scholars and teachers, and is mostly
considered the highest class. They are expected to cultivate qualities of integrity,
honesty, purity and wisdom.
 Kshatriyas- Kshatriyas constituted the warrior class which comprises the kings,
rulers of territories, administrators, etc. It is paramount for a Kshatriya to be learned
in weaponry, warfare, administration, moral conduct, and ruling.
 Vaishyas- Vaishya is third highest class of Varna system. Within the Vaisya caste
there are sub-castes of bakers, sheepherders, cow herders, agriculturalists, metal
workers, and as well as traders and businessmen. All are people with a skill, trade, or
profession.
 Shudra- the fourth and last Varna, traditionally comprises of artisans and labourers.
PURPOSE OF CREATING THIS
SYSTEM
 The separation of people based on their Varna was intended to decongest the
responsibilities of one’s life, preserve purity of castes, and establish eternal order.
 This would pre-resolve and avoid all forms of disputes arising out from conflicts
within business and encroachment on respective duties.
GOTRA SYSTEM

 The word Gotra is derived from the two Sanskrit words gau means cow and
trahi is shed. Gotra means cowshed, where in context is that Gotra is like a
cowshed protecting a particular male linage.
 The gotras have their origin from the seven rishis also called as the Sapta rishis
namely Gautama, Bharadwaja, Vishvamitra, Jamadagni, Vashista, Kashyapa and
Atri. Later, sage Agasthya was also added to this list making the number eight.
 Marriages are never permitted within the same gotra meaning that the bride and
groom of sharing the same gotra are related to each other as brother and sister.
 GOTRA is referred to the guru or the preceptor under whom the early people got
their education.
CONCLUSION
 The Indian social (caste) system has played a significant role in shaping the
occupations and roles as well as values in Indian society. However, the
relationship between caste and hereditary occupations has become less
significant now, and there are fewer restrictions on social interaction among
castes, especially in urban areas.