Rajiv Malhotra
Genetics report on the origin of Indians
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
"The story of our origins"
Open Magazine, May 28, 2011.
EXCERPTS FROM THE CONCLUSION:
"The first thing that the evidence suggests is that the origins of
Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central
Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well
be populated by a 15,000-year-old migration from India. Given the
timeframe of the origins of the R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is
important to note that this does not rule out a subsequent re-entry
of people from Central Asia bearing this marker into India at a much
later date. As further sub-lineages of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it
may well be possible to answer even this question.
Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central
Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well
be populated by a 15,000-year-old migration from India. Given the
timeframe of the origins of the R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is
important to note that this does not rule out a subsequent re-entry
of people from Central Asia bearing this marker into India at a much
later date. As further sub-lineages of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it
may well be possible to answer even this question.
The second part of their conclusions rests on the fact that the
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country."
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country."
Another article that discusses this report:
End of forwarded message from Rajiv Malhotra
-----
A previous post:
Forwarded message from S. Kalyanaraman
Genetics delivers another blow to Aryan hoax
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
The story of our origins"
Open Magazine, May 28, 2011.
EXCERPTS FROM THE CONCLUSION:
"The first thing that the evidence suggests is that the origins of
Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central
Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well
be populated by a 15,000-year-old migration from India. Given the
timeframe of the origins of the R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is
important to note that this does not rule out a subsequent re-entry
of people from Central Asia bearing this marker into India at a much
later date. As further sub-lineages of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it
may well be possible to answer even this question.
Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central
Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well
be populated by a 15,000-year-old migration from India. Given the
timeframe of the origins of the R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is
important to note that this does not rule out a subsequent re-entry
of people from Central Asia bearing this marker into India at a much
later date. As further sub-lineages of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it
may well be possible to answer even this question.
The second part of their conclusions rests on the fact that the
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country."
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country."
Read on...
28 May 2011
The Story of Our Origins
DNA tests on a cross-section of Indians including John Abraham and
Baichung Bhutia reveal surprising truths about our origins
Baichung Bhutia reveal surprising truths about our origins
By Hartosh Singh Bal
Just where did our ancestors come from? Indian diversity has long
been reduced by many historians to a simple story of an invasion of
Aryans pushing Dravidians further south in the Subcontinent. But an
analysis of the genes that Indians bear throws up enough evidence to
rubbish that theory, pointing instead to a far more complex set of
migrations -- and perhaps reverse migrations -- many millennia
earlier than commonly supposed.
been reduced by many historians to a simple story of an invasion of
Aryans pushing Dravidians further south in the Subcontinent. But an
analysis of the genes that Indians bear throws up enough evidence to
rubbish that theory, pointing instead to a far more complex set of
migrations -- and perhaps reverse migrations -- many millennia
earlier than commonly supposed.
To get a clearer picture of our origins, Open sent DNA samples of a
couple of celebrities, John Abraham and Baichung Bhutia, alongwith
those of four magazine staffers to the National Geographic Deep
Ancestry Project. Based on the genetic markers thus identified and
other research conducted by scientists, we present a plausible map of
our origins. Be prepared for some surprises
couple of celebrities, John Abraham and Baichung Bhutia, alongwith
those of four magazine staffers to the National Geographic Deep
Ancestry Project. Based on the genetic markers thus identified and
other research conducted by scientists, we present a plausible map of
our origins. Be prepared for some surprises
ooo
'The diversity of India is tremendous; it is obvious; it lies on the
surface and anybody can see it. It concerns itself with certain
mental habits and traits. There is little in common... between the
Pathan of the North-West and the Tamil in the far South. Yet...there
is no mistaking the impress of India on the Pathan, as this is
obvious on the Tamil...The Pathan and the Tamil are two extreme
examples; the others lie somewhere in between...It is fascinating to
find how the Bengalis, the Marathas, the Gujaratis, the Tamils, the
Andhras, the Oriyas, the Assamese, the Canarese, the Malayalis, the
Sindhis, the Punjabis, the Pathans, the Kashmiris, the Rajput, and
the great central block comprising the Hindustani-speaking people,
have retained their peculiar characteristics...'
surface and anybody can see it. It concerns itself with certain
mental habits and traits. There is little in common... between the
Pathan of the North-West and the Tamil in the far South. Yet...there
is no mistaking the impress of India on the Pathan, as this is
obvious on the Tamil...The Pathan and the Tamil are two extreme
examples; the others lie somewhere in between...It is fascinating to
find how the Bengalis, the Marathas, the Gujaratis, the Tamils, the
Andhras, the Oriyas, the Assamese, the Canarese, the Malayalis, the
Sindhis, the Punjabis, the Pathans, the Kashmiris, the Rajput, and
the great central block comprising the Hindustani-speaking people,
have retained their peculiar characteristics...'
ooo
Nehru, even in his romanticism, was only stating what every observer
of India has always noticed -- the tremendous diversity of people in
India, not just in terms of customs and culture, but in religion,
caste and appearance. The obvious question has always been: where
does this diversity come from? Take, for example, caste: did the
system evolve in India, or did it originate outside and become part
of the country's social structure? Were our different language
groups, such as Dravidian and Indo-European, brought in by different
sets of migrants? The questions are endless, and the answer to any
one of them lies in the answer to the most basic question of all:
where do we Indians come from? How was the Subcontinent settled?
of India has always noticed -- the tremendous diversity of people in
India, not just in terms of customs and culture, but in religion,
caste and appearance. The obvious question has always been: where
does this diversity come from? Take, for example, caste: did the
system evolve in India, or did it originate outside and become part
of the country's social structure? Were our different language
groups, such as Dravidian and Indo-European, brought in by different
sets of migrants? The questions are endless, and the answer to any
one of them lies in the answer to the most basic question of all:
where do we Indians come from? How was the Subcontinent settled?
Attempts have been made to answer these questions with evidence drawn
from fields as varied as linguistics and archaeology. Despite the
inroads that have been made, the question has not even come close to
being answered, and even the partial answers that have been on offer
have been a source of contentious debate. For one, the Aryan Invasion
theory -- suggesting that an invasion of Indo-Europeans displaced the
original Dravidian inhabitants of north India, which found favour at
one time and was later rejected and denounced -- addresses only a
small part of the Subcontinent's diversity as a theory.
from fields as varied as linguistics and archaeology. Despite the
inroads that have been made, the question has not even come close to
being answered, and even the partial answers that have been on offer
have been a source of contentious debate. For one, the Aryan Invasion
theory -- suggesting that an invasion of Indo-Europeans displaced the
original Dravidian inhabitants of north India, which found favour at
one time and was later rejected and denounced -- addresses only a
small part of the Subcontinent's diversity as a theory.
But results from an entirely different area of human study suggest
that there may be a satisfactory answer to the question, and it lies
in our genes.
that there may be a satisfactory answer to the question, and it lies
in our genes.
For each of us, our physical characteristics are encoded in the DNA
that we carry within each cell of our body. A study of our DNA (see
'The Science of DNA Testing') allows us to trace our ancestry. In
case of men (and for women by testing their brothers or father), we
can trace our line of paternal descent, our father's father's
father's... father, by studying the Y-chromosome; and in case of both
men and women, we can trace our line of maternal descent, our
mother's mother's mother's... mother, by studying mitochondrial DNA.
that we carry within each cell of our body. A study of our DNA (see
'The Science of DNA Testing') allows us to trace our ancestry. In
case of men (and for women by testing their brothers or father), we
can trace our line of paternal descent, our father's father's
father's... father, by studying the Y-chromosome; and in case of both
men and women, we can trace our line of maternal descent, our
mother's mother's mother's... mother, by studying mitochondrial DNA.
This field, now over two decades old, has slowly been refined to the
point where events in our distant ancestry can now be studied. Not
only are the new answers on offer fascinating, there is also the
certainty that with each passing year, they will be refined,
questioned and challenged to the point where we would be able to make
definitive statements about our past. One such project is National
Geographic's Deep Ancestry that is compiling data from across the
world on people who want to determine their distant ancestry.
point where events in our distant ancestry can now be studied. Not
only are the new answers on offer fascinating, there is also the
certainty that with each passing year, they will be refined,
questioned and challenged to the point where we would be able to make
definitive statements about our past. One such project is National
Geographic's Deep Ancestry that is compiling data from across the
world on people who want to determine their distant ancestry.
We sent six samples, four men and two women, of people from various
parts of India to the National Geographic Project (NGP), and, based
on the results we have obtained (see the case studies listed in the
right column), we have attempted to map out a representative history
of what can be said today about the peopling of India. To do so, we
have not only sought elaboration from Ramasamy Pitchappan, principal
investigator, India, of the NGP, we have also spoken to a leading
Indian geneticist, RNK Bamezai, director of the National Centre of
Applied Human Genetics (NCAHG) at Jawaharlal Nehru University and
vice-chancellor of Jammu University.
parts of India to the National Geographic Project (NGP), and, based
on the results we have obtained (see the case studies listed in the
right column), we have attempted to map out a representative history
of what can be said today about the peopling of India. To do so, we
have not only sought elaboration from Ramasamy Pitchappan, principal
investigator, India, of the NGP, we have also spoken to a leading
Indian geneticist, RNK Bamezai, director of the National Centre of
Applied Human Genetics (NCAHG) at Jawaharlal Nehru University and
vice-chancellor of Jammu University.
Of course, having collated all this research material and inputs, the
final responsibility of the interpretations made rests with Open.
final responsibility of the interpretations made rests with Open.
ANTIQUITY OF THE INDIAN FEMALE POPULATION
Sometime between 60,000 to 90,000 years ago, humans first moved out
of Africa by crossing the Red Sea. This, in all likelihood, occurred
during a glacial period when the earth was at its coldest, and
falling sea levels would have shrunk the distance between Africa and
Asia at its narrowest to barely 11 km. Crossing into Asia, surviving
on a diet rich in shellfish, these early humans who left Africa
stayed close to the coast as they made their way round to South Asia.
of Africa by crossing the Red Sea. This, in all likelihood, occurred
during a glacial period when the earth was at its coldest, and
falling sea levels would have shrunk the distance between Africa and
Asia at its narrowest to barely 11 km. Crossing into Asia, surviving
on a diet rich in shellfish, these early humans who left Africa
stayed close to the coast as they made their way round to South Asia.
The strongest evidence of this is offered by the study of
mitochondrial DNA, which indicates the maternal line of descent (see
DNA analysis ofSohini Chattopadhyay and Haima Deshpande of Open). All
human beings outside Africa are descended from two female lines,
termed Haplogroup M and N. It is unclear whether the two female
lines evolved while humans were still in Africa or shortly after, but
the available evidence suggests both lines were present in that first
migration from Africa to South Asia.
mitochondrial DNA, which indicates the maternal line of descent (see
DNA analysis ofSohini Chattopadhyay and Haima Deshpande of Open). All
human beings outside Africa are descended from two female lines,
termed Haplogroup M and N. It is unclear whether the two female
lines evolved while humans were still in Africa or shortly after, but
the available evidence suggests both lines were present in that first
migration from Africa to South Asia.
DISTRIBUTION OF MITOCHONDRIAL DNA HAPLOGROUPS IN THE INDIAN
POPULATION:
POPULATION:
M -- 60 per cent
N -- 25 per cent
U* -- 15 per cent
*A sub branch of N that is found in larger numbers in the northwest
of the country
of the country
The vast majority of the Indian population carries Sohini and Haima's
Haplogroup M, whose antiquity in India dates back at least 60,000
years ago, if not more. Since mitochondrial DNA is passed down in
direct line of maternal descent, this suggests that the female
population of India dates directly back to that first exodus of
humans from Africa.
Haplogroup M, whose antiquity in India dates back at least 60,000
years ago, if not more. Since mitochondrial DNA is passed down in
direct line of maternal descent, this suggests that the female
population of India dates directly back to that first exodus of
humans from Africa.
The N Haplogroup and its sub-haplogroup U are also found in India,
but show up in high frequencies largely in the Northwest. Even these
groups seem to be largely of great antiquity in the Subcontinent.
There seems to have been very little migration of women into the
Subcontinent after the first settlers arrived here. According to
Bamezai, who advises caution in saying anything more than warranted
by the data, this is not so surprising: "The mobility of males was
much more -- raiding parties or for that matter armies on the move
even today are largely male."
but show up in high frequencies largely in the Northwest. Even these
groups seem to be largely of great antiquity in the Subcontinent.
There seems to have been very little migration of women into the
Subcontinent after the first settlers arrived here. According to
Bamezai, who advises caution in saying anything more than warranted
by the data, this is not so surprising: "The mobility of males was
much more -- raiding parties or for that matter armies on the move
even today are largely male."
THE COMPLICATED STORY OF THE INDIAN MALE POPULATION
The men who are believed to have migrated to India along with women
as part of the first coastal migration from Africa are identified by
the Haplogroup C. This marker is found in less than 5 per cent of the
Indian population today. These migrants seem to have moved further
along the coast, settling in East Asia and Australia.
as part of the first coastal migration from Africa are identified by
the Haplogroup C. This marker is found in less than 5 per cent of the
Indian population today. These migrants seem to have moved further
along the coast, settling in East Asia and Australia.
DISTRIBUTION OF Y-CHROMOSOME (FOUND ONLY IN MEN) DNA HAPLOGROUPS:
H -- 30 per cent
R1a1 -- 20 per cent
R2a -- 15 per cent
L -- 10 per cent
O and related markers -- 10 per cent
Others -- 15 per cent
In rather broad terms, it is possible to make some generalisations. H
is found in greater percentage among the Austro-Asiatic tribal
population, L among the Dravidian language (such as Tamil and Telugu)
speaking non-tribal population, R1a1 among speakers of the Indo-
European languages (such as Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali). But there is
no way on this basis to distinguish any individual from another. An
individual with R1a1 could as well be a tribal as an Indo-European
language speaker. Nor can discrete groupings be identified in any
clear-cut way. The L marker could be found in the north of the
country, and H could show up among some Brahmins.
is found in greater percentage among the Austro-Asiatic tribal
population, L among the Dravidian language (such as Tamil and Telugu)
speaking non-tribal population, R1a1 among speakers of the Indo-
European languages (such as Hindi, Punjabi and Bengali). But there is
no way on this basis to distinguish any individual from another. An
individual with R1a1 could as well be a tribal as an Indo-European
language speaker. Nor can discrete groupings be identified in any
clear-cut way. The L marker could be found in the north of the
country, and H could show up among some Brahmins.
What we do know for sure is that the earliest large-scale male
settlers in the Subcontinent belong to the line defined by Haplogroup
F and its branch Haplogroup H (see the DNA analysis of John Abraham).
Both these haplogroups are found in significant percentages in the
Indian tribal population, reaching a combined percentage of well over
30. The F Haplogroup dates back to at least 45,000 years in the
Subcontinent. John's H haplogroup, which is not found anywhere else
in the world in any significant proportion and has hence been termed
the 'Indian marker', has an antiquity in the Subcontinent of at least
25,000 years. Interestingly, though, it is found among Europe's
gypsies, indicating their Indian origin.
settlers in the Subcontinent belong to the line defined by Haplogroup
F and its branch Haplogroup H (see the DNA analysis of John Abraham).
Both these haplogroups are found in significant percentages in the
Indian tribal population, reaching a combined percentage of well over
30. The F Haplogroup dates back to at least 45,000 years in the
Subcontinent. John's H haplogroup, which is not found anywhere else
in the world in any significant proportion and has hence been termed
the 'Indian marker', has an antiquity in the Subcontinent of at least
25,000 years. Interestingly, though, it is found among Europe's
gypsies, indicating their Indian origin.
A related line descended from Haplogroup F, termed Haplogroup L (see
the DNA analysis of Sharad Raghavan), is also found in significant
numbers in South India, especially Tamil Nadu among the non-tribal
population. Again, this is a haplogroup rarely found outside India
and has an antiquity of around 25,000 years.
the DNA analysis of Sharad Raghavan), is also found in significant
numbers in South India, especially Tamil Nadu among the non-tribal
population. Again, this is a haplogroup rarely found outside India
and has an antiquity of around 25,000 years.
Two other significant haplogroups found in the Indian population are
R1a1 (see the DNA analysis of Hartosh Singh Bal) and R2a, both found
deep in the line of descent that goes back to Haplogroup F. Their
antiquity in India dates back 15,000 to 20,000 years ago.
R1a1 (see the DNA analysis of Hartosh Singh Bal) and R2a, both found
deep in the line of descent that goes back to Haplogroup F. Their
antiquity in India dates back 15,000 to 20,000 years ago.
Hartosh's R1a1 is found in higher proportions in the north of India
and among upper-castes, reaching a proportion of nearly 50 per cent
in Punjab and over 70 per cent in such caste groups as West Bengal
Brahmins. But it is also found in the South and among the tribal
population, reaching a proportion of well over 25 per cent among the
Chenchu tribals of Andhra. R2a mirrors the distribution of R1a1, but
it has a far more evenly spread across the geography of the
Subcontinent and the hierarchy of castes; in some ways, it is a pan-
Indian marker, a significant marker that has not shown up in the
small sample sent by Open to the NGP.
and among upper-castes, reaching a proportion of nearly 50 per cent
in Punjab and over 70 per cent in such caste groups as West Bengal
Brahmins. But it is also found in the South and among the tribal
population, reaching a proportion of well over 25 per cent among the
Chenchu tribals of Andhra. R2a mirrors the distribution of R1a1, but
it has a far more evenly spread across the geography of the
Subcontinent and the hierarchy of castes; in some ways, it is a pan-
Indian marker, a significant marker that has not shown up in the
small sample sent by Open to the NGP.
There are also an assorted number of other markers, such as the D
Haplogroup (see DNA analysis of Baichung Bhutia). This haplogroup is
found in large numbers in East Asia and has likely reached Sikkim
from Tibet. It is also found among some northeastern tribes that bear
Haplogoup O as the other important marker.
Haplogroup (see DNA analysis of Baichung Bhutia). This haplogroup is
found in large numbers in East Asia and has likely reached Sikkim
from Tibet. It is also found among some northeastern tribes that bear
Haplogoup O as the other important marker.
MAKING SENSE OF THE MALE LINEAGE
The first male settlers of the Indian Subcontinent would have
accompanied the women, whose descendants still inhabit the
Subcontinent, on the first coastal migration from Africa. They are
identified by the Haplogroup C marker, found in less than 5 per cent
of the Indian population. According to the NGP, the presence of both
John's and Sharad's haplogroups (H and L) in India can be explained
by two separate migrations, one from the Middle East and the other
from Central Asia, both dating back some 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
accompanied the women, whose descendants still inhabit the
Subcontinent, on the first coastal migration from Africa. They are
identified by the Haplogroup C marker, found in less than 5 per cent
of the Indian population. According to the NGP, the presence of both
John's and Sharad's haplogroups (H and L) in India can be explained
by two separate migrations, one from the Middle East and the other
from Central Asia, both dating back some 25,000 to 30,000 years ago.
The NGP goes on to describe the first encounter between the men from
the original settlement of India with those who arrived later. The
genetic trail, the NGP states, 'provides some tantalizing clues as to
what may have happened when members of the Indian Clan and the
[earlier settled] Coastal Clan met. The [mitochondrial DNA] of people
in this region preserves evidence of the early coastal dwellers in
the female lineage, but Y-chromosome frequency for the Coastal Clan
is very weak -- around 5 per cent in southern India, and even less
frequent going farther north. These data suggest that the descendants
of the Indian Clan may have mated with the women of the earlier
coastal population, but that the coastal men were killed, driven off,
or otherwise prevented from reproducing.'
the original settlement of India with those who arrived later. The
genetic trail, the NGP states, 'provides some tantalizing clues as to
what may have happened when members of the Indian Clan and the
[earlier settled] Coastal Clan met. The [mitochondrial DNA] of people
in this region preserves evidence of the early coastal dwellers in
the female lineage, but Y-chromosome frequency for the Coastal Clan
is very weak -- around 5 per cent in southern India, and even less
frequent going farther north. These data suggest that the descendants
of the Indian Clan may have mated with the women of the earlier
coastal population, but that the coastal men were killed, driven off,
or otherwise prevented from reproducing.'
Pitchappan elaborates, "Probably initial colonies consisting of males
and females settled and expanded. In the later migrations, either the
males were by themselves or they came accompanied by very few
females. Local males could have resisted and could have been
exterminated, while females may have been amalgamated." He adds that
other possibilities are also conceivable, such as matrilineal
societies by which the incoming males could have been amalgamated:
"There is some evidence to suggest that settlements in the Dravidian
belt were female centric." He points to the existence of matriarchal
societies in the South, such as Kerala's Nairs, as the survival of an
older tradition.
and females settled and expanded. In the later migrations, either the
males were by themselves or they came accompanied by very few
females. Local males could have resisted and could have been
exterminated, while females may have been amalgamated." He adds that
other possibilities are also conceivable, such as matrilineal
societies by which the incoming males could have been amalgamated:
"There is some evidence to suggest that settlements in the Dravidian
belt were female centric." He points to the existence of matriarchal
societies in the South, such as Kerala's Nairs, as the survival of an
older tradition.
But stories such as this are speculative at best. In the Indian
context, they are reminiscent of the possibilities once cited to
describe the entry of Indo-Europeans into India, the so-called Aryan
Invasion theory.
context, they are reminiscent of the possibilities once cited to
describe the entry of Indo-Europeans into India, the so-called Aryan
Invasion theory.
The evidence so far, however, seems to suggest that the presence of
both John's and Sharad's haplogroups in India could be well explained
by an earlier arrival of the super-ancestral F haplogroup in India.
In fact, it is quite likely that either the F haplogroup arrived as
part of the coastal migration along with the C haplogroup, to which
it is very closely related, or it evolved here in males who were part
of the earlier migration. If so, it would make sense that the
antiquity of a great majority of the Indian male population also goes
back to the out-of-Africa coastal migration.
both John's and Sharad's haplogroups in India could be well explained
by an earlier arrival of the super-ancestral F haplogroup in India.
In fact, it is quite likely that either the F haplogroup arrived as
part of the coastal migration along with the C haplogroup, to which
it is very closely related, or it evolved here in males who were part
of the earlier migration. If so, it would make sense that the
antiquity of a great majority of the Indian male population also goes
back to the out-of-Africa coastal migration.
In fact, much of the genetic evidence seems to suggest a South Asian
origin for the F haplogroup. This haplogroup and its lines of descent
account for perhaps 90 per cent of the male population in the world.
Contrary to received wisdom, this would imply that much of the globe
outside Africa was settled by outward migrations from South Asia
dating back to over 50,000 years ago. Certainly, the distant origins
of the modern European population seem to lie in South Asia,
emphasising the crucial importance of this region in understanding
the peopling of the globe.
origin for the F haplogroup. This haplogroup and its lines of descent
account for perhaps 90 per cent of the male population in the world.
Contrary to received wisdom, this would imply that much of the globe
outside Africa was settled by outward migrations from South Asia
dating back to over 50,000 years ago. Certainly, the distant origins
of the modern European population seem to lie in South Asia,
emphasising the crucial importance of this region in understanding
the peopling of the globe.
But beyond such speculation, which will be settled as more and more
data is gathered by projects such as the NGP, the one thing that can
be said with a degree of certainty is that the antiquity of both the
L and H haplogroups in India suggests that a majority of the Indian
male population can trace its presence in the Subcontinent back at
least 20,000 years if not earlier.
data is gathered by projects such as the NGP, the one thing that can
be said with a degree of certainty is that the antiquity of both the
L and H haplogroups in India suggests that a majority of the Indian
male population can trace its presence in the Subcontinent back at
least 20,000 years if not earlier.
THE MYTH OF THE INDO-EUROPEAN MARKER
This brings us to perhaps the most contentious of markers, Hartosh's
R1a1. The NGP states: 'Some linguists believe that the Kurgans,
nomadic horsemen roaming the steppes of southern Russia and the
Ukraine, were the first to speak and spread a Proto-Indo-European
language, some 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. Genetic data and the
distribution of Indo-European speakers suggest the Kurgans ... may
have been descendents of M17 (the genetic marker that identifies the
R1a1 haplogroup). Today a large concentration -- around 40 per cent -
- of the men living from the Czech Republic across the steppes to
Siberia, and south throughout Central Asia are descendants of this
clan. In India, around 35 per cent of the men in Hindi-speaking
populations carry the M17 marker, whereas the frequency in
neighboring communities of Dravidian speakers is only about ten
percent. This distribution adds weight to linguistic and
archaeological evidence suggesting that a large migration from the
Asian steppes into India occurred within the last 10,000 years.'
R1a1. The NGP states: 'Some linguists believe that the Kurgans,
nomadic horsemen roaming the steppes of southern Russia and the
Ukraine, were the first to speak and spread a Proto-Indo-European
language, some 5,000 to 10,000 years ago. Genetic data and the
distribution of Indo-European speakers suggest the Kurgans ... may
have been descendents of M17 (the genetic marker that identifies the
R1a1 haplogroup). Today a large concentration -- around 40 per cent -
- of the men living from the Czech Republic across the steppes to
Siberia, and south throughout Central Asia are descendants of this
clan. In India, around 35 per cent of the men in Hindi-speaking
populations carry the M17 marker, whereas the frequency in
neighboring communities of Dravidian speakers is only about ten
percent. This distribution adds weight to linguistic and
archaeological evidence suggesting that a large migration from the
Asian steppes into India occurred within the last 10,000 years.'
This NGP claim goes far beyond what the genetic data warrants. Says
Bamezai, after looking through the NGP results published in this
article, "For me as a scientist, it is necessary to be very
conservative in my claims. Any broad conclusions require much more
work and detailed study of not just haplogroups, but sub-haplogroups.
I think the migration paths described in these cases are in question.
I feel R1a1 originated here and contributed to Central Asia rather
than the other way around."
Bamezai, after looking through the NGP results published in this
article, "For me as a scientist, it is necessary to be very
conservative in my claims. Any broad conclusions require much more
work and detailed study of not just haplogroups, but sub-haplogroups.
I think the migration paths described in these cases are in question.
I feel R1a1 originated here and contributed to Central Asia rather
than the other way around."
A key 2009 paper published in the Journal of Human Genetics by
Bamezai and his colleagues at JNU argues this point further: 'Many
major rival models of the origin of the Hindu caste system co-exist
despite extensive studies, each with associated genetic evidences.
One of the major factors that has still kept the origin of the Indian
caste system obscure is the unresolved question of the origin of Y-
haplogroup R1a1, at times associated with a male-mediated major
genetic influx from Central Asia or Eurasia, which has contributed to
the higher castes in India. Y-haplogroup R1a1 has a widespread
distribution and high frequency across Eurasia, Central Asia and the
Indian subcontinent... To resolve these issues, we screened 621 Y-
chromosomes (of Brahmins occupying the upper-most caste position and
schedule castes/tribals occupying the lower-most positions)... for
conclusions. A peculiar observation of the highest frequency (up to
72.22%) of Y-haplogroup R1a1 in Brahmins hinted at its presence as a
founder lineage for this caste group. Further, observation of R1a1 in
different tribal population groups, existence of Y-haplogroup R1a in
ancestors, and extended phylogenetic analyses of the pooled dataset
of 530 Indians, 224 Pakistanis and 276 Central Asians and Eurasians
bearing the R1a1 haplogroup supported the autochthonous [indigenous]
origin of R1a1 lineage in India and a tribal link to Indian
Brahmins.'
Bamezai and his colleagues at JNU argues this point further: 'Many
major rival models of the origin of the Hindu caste system co-exist
despite extensive studies, each with associated genetic evidences.
One of the major factors that has still kept the origin of the Indian
caste system obscure is the unresolved question of the origin of Y-
haplogroup R1a1, at times associated with a male-mediated major
genetic influx from Central Asia or Eurasia, which has contributed to
the higher castes in India. Y-haplogroup R1a1 has a widespread
distribution and high frequency across Eurasia, Central Asia and the
Indian subcontinent... To resolve these issues, we screened 621 Y-
chromosomes (of Brahmins occupying the upper-most caste position and
schedule castes/tribals occupying the lower-most positions)... for
conclusions. A peculiar observation of the highest frequency (up to
72.22%) of Y-haplogroup R1a1 in Brahmins hinted at its presence as a
founder lineage for this caste group. Further, observation of R1a1 in
different tribal population groups, existence of Y-haplogroup R1a in
ancestors, and extended phylogenetic analyses of the pooled dataset
of 530 Indians, 224 Pakistanis and 276 Central Asians and Eurasians
bearing the R1a1 haplogroup supported the autochthonous [indigenous]
origin of R1a1 lineage in India and a tribal link to Indian
Brahmins.'
The conclusions bear restatement. The first thing that the evidence
suggests is that the origins of Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in
India. Thus, a large part of Central Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine
onwards to the Czech Republic may well be populated by a 15,000-year-
old migration from India. Given the timeframe of the origins of the
R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is important to note that this does not
rule out a subsequent re-entry of people from Central Asia bearing
this marker into India at a much later date. As further sub-lineages
of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it may well be possible to answer even
this question.
suggests is that the origins of Hartosh's R1a1 haplogroup lie in
India. Thus, a large part of Central Asia, Southern Russia, Ukraine
onwards to the Czech Republic may well be populated by a 15,000-year-
old migration from India. Given the timeframe of the origins of the
R1a1 haplogroup in India, it is important to note that this does not
rule out a subsequent re-entry of people from Central Asia bearing
this marker into India at a much later date. As further sub-lineages
of Hartosh's R1a1 are studied, it may well be possible to answer even
this question.
The second part of their conclusions rests on the fact that the
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country.
proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of West
Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the origins of
Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup. But since
the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as Central
India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country.
It is a strong claim, one that hints at possible discoveries that may
lie ahead as the genetics of the Indian population is studied in
greater detail. The one conclusion, though, that is unlikely to
change is the one Bamezai emphasises over and over: "Groups we seem
to see as distinct have overlapping genetic signatures. In fact, two
castes that may have great hostility towards each other may carry the
same signatures. Caste, tribe and religion in India do not have any
genetic basis." Trite as it may sound, the conclusion is inescapable,
there is unity in this diversity.
lie ahead as the genetics of the Indian population is studied in
greater detail. The one conclusion, though, that is unlikely to
change is the one Bamezai emphasises over and over: "Groups we seem
to see as distinct have overlapping genetic signatures. In fact, two
castes that may have great hostility towards each other may carry the
same signatures. Caste, tribe and religion in India do not have any
genetic basis." Trite as it may sound, the conclusion is inescapable,
there is unity in this diversity.
Genetics delivers another blow to Aryan hoax
May 29, 2011
In History
Genetics exposes yet again, what has been known for some time now.
That the Aryan invasion/migration theory[1] is a consummate
mendacity. In the past, an article was published in this blog which
emphatically proved[2] that modern genetics goes against the colonial
concoction of the Aryan invasion theory and its later euphemistic
version the Aryan migration theory[3]. Recently, Open Magazine
carried a series of articles exploring the genetic origins of
Indians[4][5][6][7][8][9][10], where results and inferences presented
refute the Aryan invasion/migration hoax.
That the Aryan invasion/migration theory[1] is a consummate
mendacity. In the past, an article was published in this blog which
emphatically proved[2] that modern genetics goes against the colonial
concoction of the Aryan invasion theory and its later euphemistic
version the Aryan migration theory[3]. Recently, Open Magazine
carried a series of articles exploring the genetic origins of
Indians[4][5][6][7][8][9][10], where results and inferences presented
refute the Aryan invasion/migration hoax.
To get a clearer picture of our origins, Open sent DNA samples of a
couple of celebrities, John Abraham and Baichung Bhutia, alongwith
those of four magazine staffers to the National Geographic Deep
Ancestry Project. Based on the genetic markers thus identified and
other research conducted by scientists, we present a plausible map of
our origins.
couple of celebrities, John Abraham and Baichung Bhutia, alongwith
those of four magazine staffers to the National Geographic Deep
Ancestry Project. Based on the genetic markers thus identified and
other research conducted by scientists, we present a plausible map of
our origins.
To interprete and present their results they collaborated with
Ramasamy Pitchappan, principal investigator, India, of the National
Geographic Project (NGP), and a leading Indian geneticist, RNK
Bamezai, director of the National Centre of Applied Human Genetics
(NCAHG) at Jawaharlal Nehru University and vice-chancellor of Jammu
University.
Ramasamy Pitchappan, principal investigator, India, of the National
Geographic Project (NGP), and a leading Indian geneticist, RNK
Bamezai, director of the National Centre of Applied Human Genetics
(NCAHG) at Jawaharlal Nehru University and vice-chancellor of Jammu
University.
Excerpts from the results are provided here. Emphasis added.
In fact, much of the genetic evidence seems to suggest a South Asian
origin for the F haplogroup. This haplogroup and its lines of descent
account for perhaps 90 per cent of the male population in the world.
Contrary to received wisdom, this would imply thatmuch of the globe
outside Africa was settled by outward migrations from South Asia
dating back to over 50,000 years ago. Certainly, the distant origins
of the modern European population seem to lie in South Asia,
emphasising the crucial importance of this region in understanding
the peopling of the globe.
origin for the F haplogroup. This haplogroup and its lines of descent
account for perhaps 90 per cent of the male population in the world.
Contrary to received wisdom, this would imply thatmuch of the globe
outside Africa was settled by outward migrations from South Asia
dating back to over 50,000 years ago. Certainly, the distant origins
of the modern European population seem to lie in South Asia,
emphasising the crucial importance of this region in understanding
the peopling of the globe.
..the antiquity of both the L and H haplogroups in India suggests
that a majority of the Indian male population can trace its presence
in the Subcontinent back at least 20,000 years if not earlier.
that a majority of the Indian male population can trace its presence
in the Subcontinent back at least 20,000 years if not earlier.
Geneticist Bamezai says,
..I feel R1a1 originated here and contributed to Central Asia rather
than the other way around.
than the other way around.
A research paper published by Bamezai, et. al in the Journal of Human
Genetics in 2009, further says,
Genetics in 2009, further says,
Many major rival models of the origin of the Hindu caste system co-
exist despite extensive studies, each with associated genetic
evidences. One of the major factors that has still kept the origin of
the Indian caste system obscure is the unresolved question of the
origin of Y-haplogroup R1a1, at times associated with a male-mediated
major genetic influx from Central Asia or Eurasia, which has
contributed to the higher castes in India. Y-haplogroup R1a1 has a
widespread distribution and high frequency across Eurasia, Central
Asia and the Indian subcontinent... To resolve these issues, we
screened 621 Y-chromosomes (of Brahmins occupying the upper-most
caste position and schedule castes/tribals occupying the lower-most
positions)... for conclusions. A peculiar observation of the highest
frequency (up to 72.22%) of Y-haplogroup R1a1 in Brahmins hinted at
its presence as a founder lineage for this caste group. Further,
observation of R1a1 in different tribal population groups, existence
of Y-haplogroup R1a in ancestors, and extended phylogenetic analyses
of the pooled dataset of 530 Indians, 224 Pakistanis and 276 Central
Asians and Eurasians bearing the R1a1 haplogroup supported the
autochthonous [indigenous] origin of R1a1 lineage in India and a
tribal link to Indian Brahmins.
exist despite extensive studies, each with associated genetic
evidences. One of the major factors that has still kept the origin of
the Indian caste system obscure is the unresolved question of the
origin of Y-haplogroup R1a1, at times associated with a male-mediated
major genetic influx from Central Asia or Eurasia, which has
contributed to the higher castes in India. Y-haplogroup R1a1 has a
widespread distribution and high frequency across Eurasia, Central
Asia and the Indian subcontinent... To resolve these issues, we
screened 621 Y-chromosomes (of Brahmins occupying the upper-most
caste position and schedule castes/tribals occupying the lower-most
positions)... for conclusions. A peculiar observation of the highest
frequency (up to 72.22%) of Y-haplogroup R1a1 in Brahmins hinted at
its presence as a founder lineage for this caste group. Further,
observation of R1a1 in different tribal population groups, existence
of Y-haplogroup R1a in ancestors, and extended phylogenetic analyses
of the pooled dataset of 530 Indians, 224 Pakistanis and 276 Central
Asians and Eurasians bearing the R1a1 haplogroup supported the
autochthonous [indigenous] origin of R1a1 lineage in India and a
tribal link to Indian Brahmins.
Interestingly, Bamazai, et. al. 2009 agrees with the authors of
Reich, et. al. 2009[11][12] who have said that as per genetic
studies, castes grew directly out of tribe-like organizations during
the formation of the Indian society. Reich at. al 2009 further says
that current Indian society is an admixture of groups of human
settlement in the Indian sub-continent which can be traced back from
65,000 to 40,000 years.
Reich, et. al. 2009[11][12] who have said that as per genetic
studies, castes grew directly out of tribe-like organizations during
the formation of the Indian society. Reich at. al 2009 further says
that current Indian society is an admixture of groups of human
settlement in the Indian sub-continent which can be traced back from
65,000 to 40,000 years.
The Open Magazine genetics tests results further state,
..the evidence suggests is that the origins of Hartosh's R1a1
haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central Asia, Southern
Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well be populated
by a 15,000-year-old migration from India.
haplogroup lie in India. Thus, a large part of Central Asia, Southern
Russia, Ukraine onwards to the Czech Republic may well be populated
by a 15,000-year-old migration from India.
..the proportion of R1a1 in some Brahmin groups such as those of
West Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the
origins of Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup.
But since the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as
Central India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country.
West Bengal is as high as 72 per cent. This indicates that the
origins of Brahmins as a caste may well lie in the R1a1 haplogroup.
But since the antiquity of the Ra1a haplogroup in tribals such as
Central India's Sahariyas is older than it is among Brahmins, it is
reasonable to believe that Brahmins may not be entrants from outside
but may have originated as a caste from the tribal population of this
country.
The results of the Haplogroup R1A1 tests[13] and the analysis of
geneticists further reinforce the completely autochthonous origin and
antiquity of the Indian population.
geneticists further reinforce the completely autochthonous origin and
antiquity of the Indian population.
The diversity and antiquity of Haplogroup R1a1 in India suggests its
origins lie in South Asia. The haplogroup has been found in
substantial numbers among some tribes such as the Sahariyas of
Central India and the Chenchus of Andhra where its age seems to be
well over 15,000 years. This allows for just one possibility, a
migration out of India to Southern Russia onward to the Czech
Republic and even Scandinavia.
origins lie in South Asia. The haplogroup has been found in
substantial numbers among some tribes such as the Sahariyas of
Central India and the Chenchus of Andhra where its age seems to be
well over 15,000 years. This allows for just one possibility, a
migration out of India to Southern Russia onward to the Czech
Republic and even Scandinavia.
In summary, the crux of the resuts and analysis points to
the origins of Indian (South Asian) population being autochthonous,
i.e., in India (South Asia)
i.e., in India (South Asia)
the antiquity of Indian (South Asian) population going back to around
50,000 years
50,000 years
India (South Asia) being the origin of most of the current non-
African population of the world
African population of the world
migration of population from India (South Asia) to Central Asia,
Southern Russia, etc.
Southern Russia, etc.
These results are in agreement with the prevalent genetics research
and inferences of geneticists previously presented in this blog[14].
In the face of incontrovertible archeological evidence contrary to
any Aryan invasion, many "scholars" have moved to a euphemistic Aryan
migration theory. In fact some even propound a ridiculous Aryan
trickle-in theory. However, as genetics research of the last few
years have shown, the only migration that could have occurred is a
migration out of India (South Asia).
and inferences of geneticists previously presented in this blog[14].
In the face of incontrovertible archeological evidence contrary to
any Aryan invasion, many "scholars" have moved to a euphemistic Aryan
migration theory. In fact some even propound a ridiculous Aryan
trickle-in theory. However, as genetics research of the last few
years have shown, the only migration that could have occurred is a
migration out of India (South Asia).
With genetics research only getting better and more cutting age, it
is only a matter of time before the Aryan hoax is consigned to the
funereal pyre of mendacious tripe. So far, the Aryan hoax has been
kept alive only through the efforts of the Marxist history engineers
of India and their Eurocentric associates in the west. The Indian
Marxist history engineers have colored textbooks with their
ideological biases to propound the Aryan hoax for decades. Even
though there exists no archeological evidence for any invasion or
migration of so-called Aryans into India (South Asia). With genetics
research vindicating this truth, one hopes, sooner rather than later,
textbooks will be cleansed of Marxist ideological tripe and Indian
history is freed from the clutches of the great Aryan hoax.
is only a matter of time before the Aryan hoax is consigned to the
funereal pyre of mendacious tripe. So far, the Aryan hoax has been
kept alive only through the efforts of the Marxist history engineers
of India and their Eurocentric associates in the west. The Indian
Marxist history engineers have colored textbooks with their
ideological biases to propound the Aryan hoax for decades. Even
though there exists no archeological evidence for any invasion or
migration of so-called Aryans into India (South Asia). With genetics
research vindicating this truth, one hopes, sooner rather than later,
textbooks will be cleansed of Marxist ideological tripe and Indian
history is freed from the clutches of the great Aryan hoax.
End Notes
[1] (tattvaanveShaNam. "The Great Aryan Hoax". June 15, 2010)
[2] using results of genetics research and inferences, observations
of geneticists.
of geneticists.
[3] (tattvaanveShaNam. "The Great Aryan Hoax: Exposed by Genetics".
June 15, 2010)
June 15, 2010)
[4] (Bal. The Story of Our Origins. May 28, 2011)
[5] ("The Science of DNA Testing". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[6] ("Haplogroup M". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[7] ("Haplogroup H". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[8] ("Haplogroup L". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[9] ("Haplogroup R1A1". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[10] ("Haplogroup D". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[11] (Reich et al. Print. 2009)
[12] (Times News Network. Aryan-Dravidian divide a myth: Study. Sep
25, 2009)
25, 2009)
[13] ("Haplogroup R1A1". Open Magazine. May 28, 2011)
[14] (tattvaanveShaNam. "The Great Aryan Hoax: Exposed by Genetics".
June 15, 2010)
June 15, 2010)
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Bal, Hartosh Singh. May 28, 2011. "The Story of Our Origins." Open
Magazine.
Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
"Haplogroup D." May 28, 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
"Haplogroup H." May 28, 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
"Haplogroup L." May 28, 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
"Haplogroup M." May 28, 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
"Haplogroup R1A1." May 28, 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
Reich, David et al. print. "Reconstructing Indian population
history." Nature 461(7263): 489-494.
history." Nature 461(7263): 489-494.
tattvaanveShaNam. June 15, 2010. "The Great Aryan Hoax: Exposed by
Genetics."
Genetics."
(Accessed June 20, 2010).
tattvaanveShaNam. June 15, 2010. "The Great Aryan Hoax."
(Accessed June 20, 2010).
"The Science of DNA Testing." 2011. Open Magazine.
(Accessed May 29, 2011).
Times News Network. Sep 25, 2009. "Aryan-Dravidian divide a myth:
Study." The Times of India.
Study." The Times of India.
(Accessed September 26, 2009).
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