Question

The institution of 'Gotra', the clan appeared in the _______ period.
1. Later Vedic
2. Early Vedic
3. Mauryan
4. Pre-Vedic

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 1 : Later Vedic

The correct answer is Later Vedic.

• The institution of gotra appeared in the later Vedic age.
• It means the “cow pen” or the place where cattle belonging to the whole clan is kept, but over time, it signified descent from a common ancestor.
• No marriage could take place between persons belonging to the same gotra or having the same ancestor.
• Caste exogamy was widely practised. 
• Gotras were named after legendary seers like Kashyapa, Bharadvaja, Gautama, Bhrigu, among others.

Early Vedic	Later Vedic
Early Vedic society was pastoralist and semi-nomadic in nature. The caste system was flexible and based on profession rather than birth. No child marriage. The practice of Niyoga existed. It was another variant of widow remarriage.	Society became more settled in nature and centered around agriculture. The caste system became more rigid with birth being the main criteria.  Child marriages became common. No such practice found.