Gotama

Gautam (a vrddhi patronymic of Gotama also transliterated as Gautama, Gautham or Gotama) is a name, originating in Rigvedic times. It derives from the Sanskrit words “gaḥ (गः)” meaning “bright light” and “tama (तम)” meaning “darkness”. Together they indicate a person who dispels darkness by his brilliance, such as using the light of their knowledge to dispel the gloom of ignorance.

It may refer to:

Ancient figures known as Gautama/Gotama

• Akṣapāda Gotama, an Indian philosopher and logician
• Gautama Buddha, Prince of Kapilvastu, Nepal and the founder of Buddhism
• Gautama Maharishi, one of the Saptarshis in Hinduism
• Indrabhuti Gautama, chief disciple of Mahavira

Clans

• Gautam Brahmins, a sub-group of Hindu Brahmins in India
• Gautam Rajputs, a sub-clan of Khastriya caste (Rajputs) found in North India

People with the name

• Gautam Bhatia, Indian architect and writer
• Gautam Choudhury, Indian musician
• Gautam Gambhir, Indian cricketer
• Gautam Navlakha, a veteran activist from the People's Union for Democratic Rights, Delhi

See also

• Gautam (given name), about the name itself