In Hindu tradition, a patrilineal group or clan identified by a common ancestor, typically used for determining marriage eligibility and social relationships.
From Sanskrit 'gotra' meaning 'cowpen' or 'enclosure.' Originally a Vedic concept referring to enclosed families, it evolved into a sophisticated system of kinship organization in Hindu society.
Gotra is essentially a social technology—it solved marriage problems for millennia by creating clear rules about which families could marry which families. Understanding your gotra is still important for many Hindu communities today.
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