[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s3.301 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s3.301 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s3.301 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s3.301](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3.301) Bhrātṛ is the common designation of ‘brother’ from the Rigveda¹ onwards. The word is also applied to a relation or close friend generally,² but here the persons concerned are, it should be noted, in the Rigveda³ deities, who are brothers of one another or of the worshipper. Thus in the early literature the word has not really lost its precise sense. The derivation from the root bhṛ, ‘support,’ is probably correct, designating the brother as the support of his sister. This harmonizes with the fact that in Vedic literature the brother plays the part of protector of his sister when bereft of her father, and that maidens deprived of their brothers (abhrātṛ) meet an evil fate.⁴ The gradation of the relations in the home is shown by the order in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad,⁵ where father, mother, brother, and sister are successively mentioned. Strife between brothers is occasionally referred to.⁶ - [Previous: v2.c4.s3.300](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3.300) - [Next: v2.c4.s3.302](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3.302) - [Up: v2.c4.s3](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3.301](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s3.301) · Pramāṇa