In Hindu culture, the term gotra is considered to be equivalent to lineage. It broadly refers to people who are descendants in an unbroken male line from a common male ancestor or patriline. The name of the gotra can be used as a surname, but it is different from a surname and is strictly maintained because of its importance in marriages among Hindus, especially among castes. Here are some key points about gotra:

• Gotra is a patriline lineage of 8 Rishis, and it is mainly used in marriages.
• Gotra is always passed on from father to children among most Hindu communities. However, among the Tulu people, it is passed on from mother to child.
• Gotra is equivalent to a lineage, akin to a family name, but the given name of a family is often different from its gotra, and may reflect the traditional occupation, place of residence, or other important family characteristic rather than the lineage.
• Generally, the gotra forms an exogamous unit, with marriage within the same gotra being regarded as incest and prohibited by custom. People of the same gotra are generally not allowed to marry, and at weddings, the gotras of the bride and the groom are read aloud to verify that they are not breaking this rule.
• Gotra is mainly used in marriages. In the Hindu religion, when marriage is fixed, both parties know each others gotra, and if both have the same gotra, then marriage is not fixed. It is believed that if their gotra is the same, then they belong to the same clan, and in such a situation, there is a blood relation between them. Because of this, marriage cannot happen.

The Brahmins identify their male lineage by considering themselves to be the descendants of the 8 great Rishis, i.e., Saptarishis (The Seven Sacred Saints) + Bharadwaja Rishi. These eight sages are called gotrakarins from whom all the 49 gotras (especially of the Brahmins) have evolved. For instance, from Atri sprang the Atreya and Gavisthiras gotras.