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

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

Vedic Social Structure

UPSC Archival Analysis

The word 'Gotra' first occurs in the Rig Veda, where it originally meant a cow-pen before evolving into a term for a family clan.

Exam Year

2005

Evidence Source

ID: HIS_ANC_2005_96 Ref: Standard Educational Reference