U.P.P.C.S. Mains 2005

Vedic Social Structure

Authentic Past Paper Standard Evaluation

The word Gotra occurs for the first time in-

Solution & Analysis

Answer: B

Concept The concept of 'Gotra' has evolved from a physical enclosure for cattle to a rigid system of exogamous social groups.

Explanation The word 'Gotra' is first found in the Rig Veda (Mandala 10), where it originally referred to a 'cow-pen' or a place where the tribe's cattle were protected.

Logical Breakup

Rig Veda (B): This is the earliest literary record of the term.

Evolution: In the later Vedic period, the term shifted to mean a group of people tracing descent from a common ancestor (usually a sage).

Active Recall

Question

What does the word 'Gotra' literally mean in Sanskrit?

Answer

It is derived from 'Go' (cow) and 'Tra' (protection/pen), literally meaning 'cow-enclosure'.

Core Insight

The evolution of the word 'Gotra' from a cattle-pen to a human clan perfectly illustrates the transition of the Aryans from a pastoral to a settled, lineage-based society.

The word Gotra occurs for the first time in-

Solution & Analysis

Active Recall

Core Insight

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