The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The gotra system became a significant social institution starting from the Later Vedic period (c. 1000-600 BCE). Originally meaning "cow pen," it evolved to signify a lineage descending from a common Vedic seer. The system was governed by strict rules recorded in Brahmanical texts like the Dharmasutras and Dharmashastras.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. According to Brahmanical norms, women were expected to give up their father’s gotra and adopt their husband’s gotra upon marriage. Retaining the father's gotra was contrary to the standard normative practice prescribed in the texts.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The fundamental rule of the system was gotra exogamy. Members of the same gotra were considered to be descendants of the same ancestor and were thus regarded as siblings. Consequently, marriage within the same gotra was strictly prohibited.
- Statement 3 is Correct. The Satavahana rulers (c. 2nd century BCE - 2nd century CE) provide historical evidence of variations from Brahmanical norms. Inscriptions show that several Satavahana queens retained their father’s gotra names (such as Gautami and Vasisthi) even after marriage, as evidenced by the metronymics used by their sons (e.g., Gautamiputra Satakarni). This indicates that the rules of the gotra system were not universally followed in all regions or by all dynasties.
Key Takeaway
While the standard Brahmanical gotra system mandated exogamy and the adoption of the husband's lineage by the wife, the Satavahana dynasty serves as a prominent historical exception where queens retained their natal gotra names.