Metric Variation on Neurocranium among Some Ancient and Contemporary Human Populations (Adult Males) of Indian SubContinent

Abstract

Background: It is always difficult to assess the inter-group relationships by utilizing data based on sample univariate populations. One usually faces the problem of biological taxonomy in this case. To understand such problem multivariate statistical analysis is necessary. This study deals with neurocranium characteristics of four population groups from Indian Sub-Continent. Methods: Skulls of the four populations (Harappa, Kumhar Tekri, Contai, 24 parganas) were studied. Altogether 60 adult male skulls (Harappa=10, Kumhar Tekri=10, Contai=20, 24 Parganas=20) were measured. Four length and four breadth measurements were taken. Cranial index was calculated. From the data obtained, size and shape factors were calculated. D2 P values were calculated and dendrogram was computed on the basis on D2 P values. Results: Highest value of maximum cranial length, glabella inion length, nasion inion length, glabella lambda length and minimum frontal breadth were recorded in Harappa and its lowest values were recorded in Contai skull. While Harappa, Kumhar Tekri and 24 Parganas skull were mainly orthocranial, Contai skull was mainly hypsicranial. Mean values for size and shape distance between 6 pairs were 1.14 and 1.92 respectively. This implies that the four population groups show a tendency to differ more in shape distance than size distance. Dendrogram depicts that Contai and 24 Parganas populations form a cluster. But other two are distantly placed with this cluster. However, the Harappa maintains a far distance with other three population groups. Conclusion: Higher means of shape values than the size is recoded. This implies that the four population groups show a tendency to differ more in shape distance than size distance. Finding of this study is indicative of interesting corroboration between neurocranium characteristics and inter-group relationships.