Answer

In Jain tradition, the word gotra can refer to lineage, clan, or family identity. Jain communities have many gotras, and the exact list differs by region, sect, and community.

Some commonly known Jain gotras or surnames/clan names include:

• Shah
• Mehta
• Doshi
• Sanghvi
• Gandhi
• Parekh
• Vora
• Jhaveri
• Kapadia
• Sheth
• Modi
• Oswal
• Porwal
• Shrimali
• Khandelwal
• Agarwal
• Humad
• Palliwal
• Bagherwal
• Chaturtha

Explanation

Among Jains, gotra is often connected with community identity such as:

• Oswal
• Porwal
• Shrimali
• Khandelwal
• Agarwal Jain
• Humad Jain
• Bagherwal Jain

In many families, what is called “gotra” may actually be a surname, caste-group, sub-community, or family lineage. Therefore, there is no single universal list of Jain gotras accepted by all Jain traditions.

Spiritual Understanding

In Jain Dharma, spiritual progress does not depend on gotra, caste, family, or social identity. True greatness comes from:

• Right Faith
• Right Knowledge
• Right Conduct
• Ahimsa
• Self-discipline
• Purity of soul

Takeaway

There are many Jain gotras and community lineages, but Jain Dharma teaches that one’s true identity is the atma, not birth, caste, or family name.