We always want to know our roots. Our surnames (Kulas) are categorized under 'Gotra' and we inherit our Gotra from our family.14 Gotras encompass the whole Chitpavan community.
These 14 Rishis, after whom the Gotras are named, were extraordinarily brilliant and are the first ancestors of their Gotras. Each Gotra includes families of various surnames. However, some surnames are included in two or more Gotras.