AN IMPLICATION OF HINDU GOTRA SYSTEM IN RELATION TO GENETICS

Abstract

In Hinduism, the Gotra system has its own significance in referring to people who are descendants in an unbroken male ancestor or patriline. The applied aspect of such a ritual is scientifically approved in preventing genetical disorders. Y chromosome is always a male lineage (father-son-grandson) as a son receives it from father and hence Y chromosome plays a crucial role in modern genetics in identifying the Genealogy i.e male ancestry of a person. There come similar references from Ayurvedic Samhitas to prevent genetical disorders which affect the heredity of family (Atulyagotra). It is of scientific value to avoid marriages in the same clan to avoid considerable genetic disorders and reduce rate of infant mortality &morbidity.