[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c7.549 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c7.549 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c7.549 - **Language:** English ### [c7.549](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.549) GUPTA. A caste appellation. In ancient India appellations to the names were put to distinguish one caste from another. So ‘Śarmā’ was added to a brahmin name, ‘Varmā’ to a Kṣatriya name ‘Gupta’ to a Vaiśya name and ‘Dāsa’ to a Śūdra name. Such appellations were considered to be a mark of nobility in those olden days. (Chapter 153, Agni Purāṇa). - [Previous: c7.548](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.548) - [Next: c7.550](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.550) - [Up: c7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7) ## Cites (1) - [Agnipurāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/in.purana.agni.153) — Vyāsa, Sanskrit --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.549](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c7.549) · Pramāṇa