Are you a Star Wars fan? While I don’t see myself in the legions of those who are true fans, I have grown to love it over the past couple of years. When The Mandalorian aired on Disney Plus, we eagerly awaited each episode. We binged on the movie series at that time, and now we are watching Boba Fett. But back to the topic, the cool out of the world connection I made! This happened when I heard the word gotra in an episode of The Book of Boba Fett.

So what is the connection, you ask?

As we watched the latest chapter of Boba Fett, I heard the word ‘Gotra‘. While pronounced a little differently from the way we do, based on context, I realized this could be referring to the Tamil word and its meaning. A quick internet search proved me right, and wow, cool connection made right there!

Star Wars and the Seven Stars

More About Gotra

In Hindu culture, the term gotra (Sanskrit: गोत्र) 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. Pāṇini, the revered Sanskrit scholar and grammarian of ancient India, notes that the word gotra “denotes the progeny (of a sage) beginning with the son’s son.”

Vedic theories state that the Brahmins are direct descendants of the Saptarishi (translating to seven sages), who are believed to be Lord Brahma’s sons. An eighth sage is also sometimes added. Together, these eight sages are called gotrakarins (or the roots of gotras), from whom the multitude of present day gotras have evolved.

Like with any ancient system, the gotra system has its pros and cons, its proponents and debunkers, as well as different ways it has evolved in various regions in the Indian subcontinent. If you feel so inclined, you can check out any of the linked Wikipedia articles above. As for me, I tend to have mixed feelings towards many such ancient traditions (from awe to doubt, from respect to disagreement, and etcs); but I digress, and I will get back to focusing on the main theme now.

And the Seven Stars Connection

In ancient Indian astronomy, the Saptarishi is the name given to the Big Dipper, with the seven stars representing the seven sages.

So there you have it, the heavenly connection, up in the stars!

Now Back to the Star Wars Gotra

From the ancient past to the fictional future; Hindu lineage to clans and tribes in Star Wars; from the heavenly constellation to the Dunes of the Tuskens (and apparently other Star Wars references) — the gotra was indeed a cool connection (for me, at least).

Here are a few other gotra sightings in the Star Wars:

• What Is a Gotra in The Book of Boba Fett?
• What The Mandalorian Fans Need To Know About The Gotra
• The Droid Gotra

Final Thoughts on Cool Connections

I find myself delighted when I see connections between different things (the obvious and the seemingly unconnected). For example, stories from different cultures that sound so very similar, or even traditions themselves (like the Hinamatsuri of Japan and the Navratri Golu of South India). And of course, in language. I have been exploring these connections for a while now, and I do hope to write a series of posts about these in the near future (like sometime this year!!)

Related Reads

• Great Bookish Gifts For Dad on Father’s Day (one Star Wars specific gift included)
• Choose Your Destiny Chapter Book (Star Wars)

And Now, the End of This Post

Dear reader, have you watched any of the Disney Star Wars series? If yes, your thoughts on them? What about the Star Wars movies themselves? Are you a fan? Do you have any system like the gotra where you are from? Any cool connections that you have made? Do share them with us in the comments. As always, I welcome any and all thoughts, suggestions, and recommendations.