Govt begins study to find roots of ancient Indian communities

• The government has undertaken a comprehensive scientific study using ancient and modern genomics to “conclusively” find the population history of South Asia, amid conflicting theories about the origin of ancient Indian communities.

Highlights:

• The government has undertaken a comprehensive scientific study using ancient and modern genomics to “conclusively” find the population history of South Asia, amid conflicting theories about the origin of ancient Indian communities.

Highlights:

• In a pioneering move, the Indian government has initiated an in-depth scientific study aimed at deciphering the population history of South Asia.
• The project, titled “Reconstruction of the population history of South Asia using ancient and modern genomics,” is being conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) under the Ministry of Culture.

Objective of the Study:

• The primary goal of the study is to conclusively address conflicting theories about the origins of ancient Indian communities. By employing ancient and modern genomics, researchers aim to explore the population dynamics, migration patterns, and cultural evolution of South Asia.

Study Scope and Materials

Collection of Skeletal Remains:

• The project involves the analysis of 300 ancient skeletal remains, including bones and teeth, collected from various archaeological sites across India and Pakistan. Key sites include:
  • Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro (Pakistan)
  • Burzahom (Jammu & Kashmir)
  • Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh)
  • Maski (Karnataka)
  • Ropar (Punjab)
  • Lothal (Gujarat)
• These remains were excavated between 1922 and 1958 by the Archaeological Survey of India and later handed over to AnSI, which now acts as their custodian.

Collaborative Research:

• The study is being carried out in collaboration with the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, which operates under the Department of Science & Technology.

Significance of DNA Analysis

Insights into Population Movements:

• Through DNA analysis, this study aims to provide new insights into the migration and movement of ancient populations within India. The findings will contribute to understanding the expansion of the ancient Indian population and their interactions over time.
• Researchers expect to uncover details about:
  • Ancient diets and living conditions
  • Disease prevalence and adaptation to the environment
  • Migration and interaction patterns

Historical Context: The Aryan Invasion Theory

• The Aryan invasion theory, proposed by Western scholars in the 19th century, suggests that fair-skinned, agrarian people migrated from Central Asia to India, contributing significantly to the subcontinent’s civilization.
• However, recent findings challenge this theory. Indian archaeologists assert that the Aryans were indigenous to the region, particularly along the Saraswati River, and later migrated due to environmental changes.

Revisiting the Aryan Migration Debate:

• The study could potentially shed light on whether the Aryan migration occurred or if the population expansion was indigenous. Recent discoveries from sites like Sinauli (Uttar Pradesh), showing evidence of indigenous warrior burials, have already influenced textbooks and cast doubts on the migration theory.

Expected Outcomes:

• Officials believe that the research will lead to clear conclusions regarding the interactions of ancient populations, offering a more accurate narrative of India's ancient history.

Timeline and Collaborations:

• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AnSI and the Birbal Sahni Institute was signed in July 2024, with the project expected to conclude by December 2025. Additionally, AnSI has entered a collaboration with University College London to further enhance the understanding of South Asia’s genetic and cultural evolution.

Current Findings and Future Prospects:

• According to Niraj Rai, Group Head of the Ancient DNA Lab at the Birbal Sahni Institute, the initial results suggest a continuity of genetic makeup with no major changes, although further DNA extraction is in progress.

Prelims Takeaways:

• Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)
• Birbal Sahni Institute