Nature of genetic variation in the people of western India

Abstract

The available data on the frequency of genetic markers in various endogamous groups of western India (Gujarat and Maharashtra) have been reviewed. The endogamous groups have been classified according to the existing social structure, viz. brahmins, traders, farmers, scheduled castes and tribals. This material has been analysed in the background of available morphological data, demography of these populations, recent archaeological excavations and new interpretations of Vedic texts. On the basis of this analysis, it is suggested that the bulk of the population of Maharashtra has been indigenous to this region for the last five millennia and perhaps much longer. A limited inflow of genes into this region through brahmins and some other small groups can be estimated by genetic methods. Gujarat is a more complex region. It is possible to identify Lohana as a migrant group. It is suggested that Kolis might have been associated with the Late Stone Age culture of Gujarat beginning around 5000 B.C. They may have provided a base population for the farming community of Gujarat since the beginning of Harappan settlements there around 2000 B.C. There is a need for further studies in this region which may provide clues to the ethnic composition of Harappan populations.