Exogamous lineages are referred to as Gotra.
Although the prestige associated with certain lineages has
inspired other twice-born tribes to adopt them, lineages are especially
emphasized among brahmins.
The name literally means "cow pen," and the family
is therefore linked to a certain herd of cattle.
Brahmins were said to be derived from the seven sages
Kashyapa, Vasishtha, Bhrgu, Gautama, Atri, Bharadvaja, and Vishvamitra, with
each family adopting the name of the guru who was thought to be their
progenitor as their gotra.
Marriages were the only time it was actually significant,
since marriage inside the gotra was forbidden.
A lady would take her husband's gotra as part of her new
identity after marriage.
Because brahmins were aware of this technique, possessing a
gotra became a prestige symbol.
This prompted other twice-born peoples to follow in the
footsteps of the brahmins and embrace gotras as well.
You may also want to read more about Hinduism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on religion here.
