कुलम्
English meaning: family, clan, lineage
Sanskrit Definition
(संस्कृतम्)एकस्य पूर्वजात् उत्पन्नः परिवारसमूहः।
English Definition
A family, clan, or ancestral lineage sharing common descent.
Example
“उत्तमं कुलम् उत्तमान् पुरुषान् जनयति।”
In English: “A noble family produces noble persons.”
Another example: “सः उत्तमे कुले जातः।”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun for family, clan or noble lineage; frequent in genealogical, social and everyday contexts, and the basis of kulīna 'high-born' and kuladharma. Neuter a-stem, used in social and literary register.
Etymology & Origin
Sanskrit — Native Script
Masculine a-stem noun. From pari- (around) + √vṛ (to surround/cover). In classical Sanskrit, 'parivāra' can mean family, retinue, attendants, or surrounding community. The Dharmaśāstra texts (Manusmriti, Yajnavalkya Smriti) elaborate the duties and rights of family members. Related terms include 'kula' (clan/lineage), 'gotra' (patrilineal clan), and 'kuṭumba' (household). The four āśramas (life stages) structure family life within dharmic society.
/√kul + -a/
English — Origin & History
From the root √कुल् (kul) 'to amass, group together' + suffix -अ; literally 'a group/herd (of kin), family, clan'.
Synonyms
- परिवारः
- वंशः
- गोत्रम्
- अन्वयः
Related Words
Common Collocations
- कुलधर्म
- कुलगुरु
- राजकुल
- कुलपरम्परा
- कुलदेवता
Word Forms
n., a-stem; nom./acc. कुलम्, instr. कुलेन, loc. कुले
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“मन्दः कवियशः प्रार्थी गमिष्याम्युपहास्यताम्। प्रांशुलभ्ये फले लोभादुद्बाहुरिव वामनः।।”
/Mandah kaviyashah prarthhi gamishyamyupahasytam. Pramshu-labhe phale lobhadud-bahur iva vamanah./
“Feeble-minded yet aspiring to a poet's fame, I go to be ridiculed — like a dwarf reaching for high fruit.”
“रामो विग्रहवान् धर्मः साधुः सत्यपराक्रमः”
/Ramo vigrahavan dharmah sadhuh satya-parakramah/
“Rama is righteousness incarnate — virtuous and true in valour.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- संस्कृतम्
- Sanskrit
- Script
- Devanagari
- Family
- Indo-Aryan
- Speakers
- 5M