Brahman Utpatti, Gotra aur Parampara

There is perhaps hardly any family in India that has never heard words such as "gotra," "Sharma," "Mishra," "Tiwari," "upanayana," "marriage," or "lineage." But do we really know what a gotra is? Can one determine a gotra from a surname? Does one become a Brahmin only by birth? Are all Brahmins the same? And what does Brahmin identity mean in modern India?This is a comprehensive, well-researched, and balanced work that presents the entire journey of Brahmins-from their origins, the varna system, gotras, branches, and surnames to their social history, literature, politics, science, reform movements, and place in modern India.This book is neither a work of blind glorification nor of blind criticism. It is a study written on the basis of history, evidence, and reason, making it useful for general readers, students, researchers, and anyone interested in discovering the roots of their family."Not by birth does one become a Brahmin; by conduct and actions does one become a Brahmin."