Goswami, also known as Gossain, Gosine, Gossai, Gosyne, Gosein or Gosavi is an ancient Indian Brahmin surname. This surname includes Brahmins, Hindu ascetics and religious functionaries of India.^[1] Goswamis are considered to be upper caste Brahmins and fall under the General caste category (forward caste groups). They are associated with the Hindu religious ceremonies and rituals, with a number of them working as Pandits (priests) in Hindu temples.^[2] The Goswamis have strong historical ties with the Kshatriya Rajputs as they were highly respected and given high positions by the Rajput Kings. The Goswamis were Gurus (religious teachers) and royal advisors in the courts of Rajputs.^[3][4][5]

The name Goswami (or Gosavi) is derived from the Sanskrit word Goswamin meaning, "owner of many cows." While it has also been interpreted as 'master of cows', 'master of mind or intellect', 'master of senses or emotions' and 'master of passion'.^[6] This term appears in Vedic literature with the specific meaning related to cattle ownership. They traditionally trace their lineage to sages such as Bharadwaja, Parashara, Vyasa, Gautama, Shuka, Bhrigu, and Vasistha.^[7][8]

At present, Goswamis are found in Indian states of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal. Their large population is found in Vrindavan and Braj region. They are deeply associated with the worship of Lord Krishna. The main priests of temples of Vrindavan are mostly Goswami Brahmins with generations to generations being the priests of these temples.^[9][10]

1. ↑ Leonard, Karen (2013-02-01). "From Goswami rajas to Goswami caste in Hyderabad". Contributions to Indian Sociology. 47 (1): 1–32. doi:10.1177/006996671204700101. ISSN 0069-9667.
2. ↑ Dimock, Edward C. (1965). "Review of The Early History of the Vaiṣṇava Faith and Movement in Bengal". Journal of the American Oriental Society. 85 (2): 264–265. doi:10.2307/598027. ISSN 0003-0279. JSTOR 598027.
3. ↑ DeNapoli, Antoinette E. (2014). Real Sadhus Sing to God: Gender, Asceticism, and Vernacular Religion in Rajasthan. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-994003-5.
4. ↑ Saha, Shandip (2004-01-01). "Creating a Community of Grace: A History of the Pusti Marga in Northern and Western India (1493-1905)". {{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
5. ↑ Farquhar, J. N. (July 1925). "The fighting ascetics of India". Bulletin of the John Rylands Library. 9 (2): 431–452. doi:10.7227/BJRL.9.2.5. ISSN 2054-9326.
6. ↑ Sarkar, Jadunath. A History Of Dasnami Naga Sanyasis.
7. ↑ Giri, Madhu (2019-12-22). "Cultural Crisis of Caste Renouncer: A Study of Dasnami Sanyasi Identity in Nepal". Molung Educational Frontier. 9: 91–108. doi:10.3126/mef.v9i0.33588. ISSN 2990-7640.
8. ↑ "Sage Journals: Discover world-class research". Sage Journals. doi:10.1177/001946469803500304. Retrieved 2026-05-08.
9. ↑ Leonard, Karen (2013-02-01). "From Goswami rajas to Goswami caste in Hyderabad". Contributions to Indian Sociology. 47 (1): 1–32. doi:10.1177/006996671204700101. ISSN 0069-9667.
10. ↑ Banerjee-Dube, Ishita (2014-10-27). A History of Modern India. doi:10.1017/cbo9781107588387. ISBN 978-1-107-06547-5. Retrieved 2026-05-08. {{cite book}}: |website= ignored (help)