Abstract
Due to the lack of written records or inscription, the origin and affiliation of Indian Jewish populations with other world populations remain contentious. Previous genetic studies have found evidence for a minor shared ancestry of Indian Jewish with Middle Eastern (Jewish) populations. However, these studies (relied on limited individuals), haven’t explored the detailed temporal and spatial admixture process of Indian Jewish populations with the local Indian populations. Here, using large sample size with combination of high resolution biparental (autosomal) and uniparental markers (Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA), we reconstructed genetic history of Indian Jewish by investigating the patterns of genetic diversity. Consistent with the previous observations, we detected minor Middle Eastern specific ancestry component among Indian Jewish communities, but virtually negligible in their local neighbouring Indian populations. The temporal test of admixture suggested that the first admixture of migrant Jewish populations from Middle East to South India (Cochin) occurred during fifth century. Overall, we concluded that the Jewish migration and admixture in India left a record in their genomes, which can link them to the ‘Jewish Diaspora’.
Highlights
Due to the lack of written records or inscription, the origin and affiliation of Indian Jewish populations with other world populations remain contentious
The Jewish communities are distributed in most parts of the world[1], of all the Jewish Diaspora community, Indian Jewish are one of the least known people[2,3,4]
There are three main distinct groups of Jewish living in India (Fig. 1)- the Jewish of Cochin in Kerala, South India; the Bene Israel in Mumbai, West India and Baghdadi Jewish in Kolkata, East India[4]. Apart from these three distinct groups, there is fourth group known as Paradesi Jewish, who are supposed to be migrated from Portugal and Spain during 15-16th Century and integrated in to Cochin Jewish community[3]
Summary
Due to the lack of written records or inscription, the origin and affiliation of Indian Jewish populations with other world populations remain contentious. Previous genetic studies have found evidence for a minor shared ancestry of Indian Jewish with Middle Eastern (Jewish) populations. There are three main distinct groups of Jewish living in India (Fig. 1)- the Jewish of Cochin in Kerala, South India; the Bene Israel in Mumbai, West India and Baghdadi Jewish in Kolkata, East India[4] Apart from these three distinct groups, there is fourth group known as Paradesi Jewish, who are supposed to be migrated from Portugal and Spain during 15-16th Century and integrated in to Cochin Jewish community[3]. To study the genetic signature and gain a better temporal and spatial understanding of their admixture with the native Indians, we present a detailed genetic characterization of the major Indian Jewish communities (Cochin Jewish and Bene Israel), by the combination of high resolution haploid and diploid genetic markers analysis
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