sūtam

 The Sanskrit word "sūtam" (सूतम्) refers to the son born 

from a mixed marriage between a kṣatriya (warrior) 

father and a brāhmaṇa (priestly) mother, and is sometimes 

used as a social or caste designation in Sanskrit literature.

Linguistic Definition

The term "sūtam" is a noun in Sanskrit that denotes a specific 

offspring of particular parentage. In classical Sanskrit dictionaries 

and literary sources, it is consistently defined as the son of a kṣatriya 

father and a brāhmaṇa mother

Sanskrit Dictionary

 . The word appears 

in various texts as part of historical and social contexts.

Usage in Literature

In the Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāna, the word "sūtam" is used to 

describe Romaharṣaṇa, a character who belonged to this mixed 

caste, highlighting social norms and expectations of the time. 

For example, in ŚB 10.78.23, Lord Balarāma observes that 

Romaharṣaṇa, being "sūtam," did not greet him according to 

customary ritual norms, which emphasizes the social meaning 

attached to status and lineage 

Online Vedabase

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The sūta caste, which "sūtam" is associated with, traditionally 

functioned as storytellers, bards, and narrators of Purāṇic tales.

This highlights both the offspring designation and the role in 

society, linking the term to the transmission of sacred knowledge.

Summary of Meaning

• Literal meaning: Son of a kṣatriya father and brāhmaṇa mother 

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• Social context: Denotes a specific mixed caste with particular 
• societal roles, often storytellers or narrators of sacred texts.
• Textual examples: Appears in Śrīmad Bhāgavata Purāna and 
• other Sanskrit literature to mark lineage and social expectations 

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In essence, "sūtam" is not just a biological term but also indicates 

a social classification in Hindu society and literature.