Stories
Rajasthan's DNA Links to MP, Gujarat Confirmed by New Study, Challenging Old Theories
- •A new study by Professor Gyaneshwar Chaubey of Banaras Hindu University reveals Rajasthan's genetic makeup is closely linked to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, not primarily Pakistan as suggested by earlier research.
- •The research, presented at the 'Rajasthan: Antiquity and Transformation' seminar, analyzed 669 individuals from Meena, Gujjar, and general mixed populations of Rajasthan.
- •This genome-wide study challenges a 2005 study that used smaller DNA segments, showing Rajasthan's population aligns with a broad Indian genetic pattern.
- •The Bhil tribe, India's second-largest, shows a common "Pan-Bhil" ancestry, with Rajasthan's Bhils exhibiting high diversity and admixture, establishing the state as a genetic bridge.
- •Ancient mitochondrial DNA lineages, dating back approximately 52,000 years, found in Rajasthan's castes and tribes, indicate deep-rooted local continuity rather than external population replacement.
Key Questions Answered
Recent genome-wide studies presented by Professor Gyaneshwar Chaubey show that Rajasthan's genetic makeup is closely linked to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, challenging older theories that pointed to a close affinity with Pakistan.
A 2005 study by French scientists examined only small segments of DNA, specifically mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomes, suggesting a west-to-east gene flow from Pakistan. In contrast, recent research sequences the entire genome of 669 individuals, revealing a broader Indian cline.
The genome-wide study indicates that Bhil groups share a common Pan-Bhil ancestry across Western-Central India. Bhils in Gujarat show the lowest admixture with neighbors, while Rajasthan's Bhils exhibit high diversity and admixture, establishing Rajasthan as a genetic bridge.
