History of Mediaeval Hindu India (being a History of India from 600 to 1200 A.D.) v2.c28.s1.78

v2.c28.s1.78

We have already stated our view that Kshatriyas have gotras of their own and that Vijñāneśvara's dictum in the Mitākṣarā that they, having no gotras of their own, have to borrow those of their Purohitas, is wrong. But the question is often asked how can Brahmins and Kshatriyas have the same gotras, if gotras are to indicate descent and not discipleship? For it is believed that the Kshatriyas are not descended from Brahmin Rishis but are born in the solar or lunar Vamśas. This doubt often puzzled bards and poetic writers of inscriptions who, therefore, invented fanciful stories about the origin of Kshatriya families. We think that a minute examination of the subject of gotra and Pravara will solve this difficulty and we accordingly proceed to examine the subject from the beginning.