Endogamy Research Articles

Intensified exploitation of animal products in the Mediterranean Copper Age: isotopic evidence from Scaba ’e Arriu (Sardinia)

In this paper, dietary patterns are reconstructed across two phases represented at the Copper Age of Scaba ’e Arriu (Sardinia, Italy) via isotopic analysis of human and animal skeletal remains. Collagen carbon, nitrogen, and bioapatite carbon, and oxygen isotopes were used to infer diet, economic practices, and possibly different climatic conditions. Differential management of cattle, sheep/goats, and pigs was detected, with scarce animal products in the human diet in the Early Copper Age, followed by an increase in animal products identifiable in herbivore livestock, coincident with more rainy conditions in the Late Copper Age. Dietary information was then considered in light of the climatic periods already known for the period and compatible with the data presented. The study’s outcome indicates generally sedentary and endogamous groups with only a few outliers in both phases.

ЗАРУБЕЖНЫЙ ОПЫТ Б. Р. АМБЕДКАРА: США, АНГЛИЯ, ГЕРМАНИЯ

Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, an untouchable from the caste of mahars, was educated abroad with the support of the maharaja of Baroda. The goal of his studies at the Columbia University in New York was to learn about the struggle of the Black Americans. African Americans and their leaders influenced his ideology and policy regarding Indian untouchables, as the struggle of the dalits and the Blacks and their social situation are somewhat similar. Ambedkar’s works reflect the learnings from his American experience. In countrast with the multiple castes and subcastes of the untouchables, the Blacks are an endogamous group, and it is easier for them to unite in their struggle. As the Chairman of the Constitutional Committee, Ambedkar included in the Constitution a number of articles to protect the rights of the scheduled castes. He turned to Buddhism as a result of his quest to reform the caste system in order to end social discrimination of the Dalits. Ambedkar showed that each caste maintained its identity and that is why it was impossible to unite all untouchable castes. However, his accomplishments in the struggle for equal rights for all people allow hope that this historic goal will be achieved.

The HLA profile and genetic affinities of three primitive Tamil-speaking endogamous groups: Kallars of Thanjavur, Piramalai Kallar and Vanniyar

BackgroundThe present study was aimed to study the frequencies of HLA-DRB1/-DQB1 alleles and haplotypes of three endogamous groups of Tamil Nadu state, South India. PCR-SSP typing of HLA-DRB1 and -DQB1 alleles were performed on 111 Kallars of Thanjavur, 80 Piramalai Kallar of Madurai and 119 Vanniyar. Genetic distances, neighbor-joining phylogenetic dendrograms and correspondence analysis have been performed.ResultsThe HLA class II alleles, DRB1*07 (25.2%), DRB1*15 (15.7%), DRB1*14 (11.7%) and DRB1*12 (9.90%) among Kallars of Thanjavur; DRB1*15 (28.7%), DRB1*04 (15.6%), DRB1*10 (14.3%), DRB1*13 (11.2%) and DRB1*03 (9.37%) among Piamalai Kallar and DRB1*15 (24.7%), DRB1*04 (15.9%), DRB1*07 (11.7%), DRB1*12 (11.3%) and DRB1*10 (10.0%) among Vanniyar were more frequent. Similarly, alleles DQB1*06 (31.0%), DQB1*02 (26.5%) and DQB1*05 (24.7%) among Kallars of Thanjavur; DQB1*05 (32.5%), DQB1*06 (31.8%), DQB1*02 (16.2%) and DQB1*03:02 (12.5%) among Piramalai Kallar and DQB1*05 (52.9%), DQB1*06 (22.6%) and DQB1*02 (11.3%) among Vanniyar were more frequent. We genotyped the two most frequent two-locus haplotypes, such as DRB1*15-DQB1*06 and DRB1*07-DQB1*02 for HLA-A/-B/–C alleles to identify the 5-locus extended haplotypes to extrapolate global affinities. We identified a number of five locus extended haplotypes among south Indian population with stronger global affinities. Further, we identified the presence of a highly unique extended haplotypes such as A*11-B*35-C*12-DRB1*07-DQB1*02 (HF:0.1458) in Kallars of Thanjavur, A*03-B*35-C*04-DRB1*15-DQB1*06 (HF:0.1833) in Piramalai Kallar and A*03-B*07-C*07-DRB1*15-DQB1*06 (HF: 0.1800) in Kallars of Thanjavur and (HF: 0.1081) in Vanniyar population.ConclusionsAllele distribution and haplotype analysis have demonstrated that the Kallars of Thanjavur, Piramalai Kallar and Vanniyar populations shared HLA alleles with other ethnic and other Indian populations, while showing population specific haplotypes. Analysis of population-specific distribution of HLA alleles is proved to be important in finding out the relatedness of the ethnic groups across continents. The extensive polymorphism of the HLA system also has useful application in the study of the origin, evolution and migration patterns of human populations.

Effects of caste, birth season, and family income on digit ratios.

The contributions of latitude and ethnicity in the determination of cross-society differences in digit ratios are unclear. In India, different castes (endogamous groups) have been living in the same areas (villages or towns) for the last 1500 years and, therefore, these groups may have different gene pools without a latitude-related difference component. Thus, in the present study, we studied the effect of caste on digit ratios. We also studied the effects of sex, birth season, and family income on digit ratios. We selected a sample of 301 college students (age: M=19.9 years, SD=2.63) in Muzaffarnagar city of western Uttar Pradesh, India, and asked participants for information regarding their birth month, religion, caste, and monthly family income. We measured participants' dorsal and palmar digit lengths (of all fingers, except the thumb, in both hands) using vernier calipers of 0.01 mm accuracy. Other backward castes (intermediate castes) had longer digit lengths than general castes (upper castes), scheduled castes (lower castes), and Muslims. However, there was no difference in digit ratios of caste groups (scheduled castes vs. other backward castes vs. general castes vs. Muslims) or specific castes (Chamar-Jatav vs. Jat vs. Pandit-Tyagi). Winter-born women had lower left dorsal 2D:4D and 3D:4D ratios than summer-born women. Family income was related to higher dorsal 2D:4D and 3D:4D ratios among women. Moreover, in dorsal digit ratios, sex difference (men < women) occurred in digit ratios constituting digit 5, whereas, in palmar digit ratios, sex difference occurred in digit ratios constituting digit 2. The present study suggests that endogamy-led genetic difference in ethnic/caste groups is not a determinant, whereas birth season (i.e., the exposure to sunlight) and family income might be determinants of digit ratios. In addition, compared to palmar digit ratios, dorsal digit ratios are better markers of sexual dimorphism.

From Sainthood to Saintly Kinship: How Claiming Saintly Kinship Is Structuring the Social and Patronage Relationships in Rural Punjab, Pakistan

This article problematises ‘sainthood’ as a sacred spiritual construct by the understanding and appropriation of the same. We have examined claims of Chishti and Dhuddi biraderies (endogamous kinship groups) as spiritually elevated and socially superior groups based on our recent fieldwork in three villages in the district of Vehari, Punjab. We take a case study of Chishti biraderi’ s claims of spiritual ascendency because of their descendance from Shaykh Farid (d. 1265 CE). Chishties’ position as chosen ones is contested by Dhuddi biraderi who claim their descendance from an equally famous Sufi saint Dewan Baba Haji Sher (d. 752 CE). Our research shows how claims of saintly kinship reflect the power struggle in rural Punjab where the appropriation of saintly kinship as well as contestations of similar claims are advanced by zamindar (land owner) patrons to reproduce their position of power and privilege.

Sexual Dimorphism from Foot Morphometry : A Study among Two Endogamous Groups of North India

Background: The present study aims to exhibit sexual dimorphism from foot morphometry and to find if it can be used as a tool for sex determination in forensic sciences among two endogamous groups (baniya, jats) of North Indian population. It is also aimed at providing anthropometric values for foot length and foot breadth and comparing them to existing data needed for the establishment of reference standard for the study groups on the basis of which various endogamous groups can be compared with one another and sexual differences established. Material and Methods: The present study was carried out at Department of Anatomy , MMIMSR Mullana –Ambala, on 400 subjects(100 males,100 females of each group) belonging to baniya and jats community of North India between 21-35 years of age. Foot morphometry was done with the help of osteometric board and results were statistically analysed. Results: The mean Foot length in males was 3 cm more than females with highly significant p value. The mean foot breadth of males was 1 cm higher than females with statistically significant p value. The mean foot length and foot breadth of jat group was more as compared to Baniya group with highly significant p value.The Mean Foot index ranges from 37(jats) – 36.9 (Baniya) males. In females,the range of mean foot index is between 37.73 (jats) -38.25 (baniya) . Conclusion: Males belonging to jat and baniya community had higher mean foot length,foot breadth than females. Among the study groups,jats males and females have longer and broader feet than baniya males and females.Foot index &lt;37 is suggestive of male foot and &gt;37 female foot and can be used as a reference point for sex determination among study groups.

Mating structure of the five-endogamous groups of Uttar Pradesh brahmins

In human society individuals normally do not have an absolute freedom for the choice of mate. Some norms and restriction are imposed in each society, which plays a decisive role for the selection of mate and thereby puts a check on mating at random. In the tradition bound stratified society like that of India caste system is a living reality. The caste is divided into endogamous groups. These endogamous groups vary in their gene frequencies even through they share the same econiche. Principles of Endogamy regulate their gene pool. In Uttar Pradesh like other parts of India there are several endogramousgroups of Brahmins among these Brahmins mating pattern is generally regulated by caste endogamy with in a network of clan or gotra exogamy Darlinton (1943) referred this type of mating pattern as “Combination of inbreeding and out breeding in parallel”. The objective of present study is to investigate and understandmating Structure of the Five-Endogamous Groups of Uttar Pradesh Brahmins. The study applies both primary and secondary sources of data.

Non-HDL Cholesterol is a Good Predictor of the Risk for Hypertension among Dhimal Adults from Darjeeling in West Bengal, India

Dyslipidemia is reported to be associated with hypertension and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Objective of the present study was to evaluate differential magnitudes of association of lipid profile characteristics namely, triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), total cholesterol (TC) and non-HDL-C with hypertension among adults. In a cross-sectional study, participants were 94 adults aged 30-59 years (50 men and 44 women) representing Dhimal, an endogamous community in Darjeeling, West Bengal. Blood pressure (systolic or SBP and diastolic or DBP) has been recorded. The sample had equal number (n = 47) of normotensive and hypertensive individuals (25 men and 22 women in each group). Hypertension was diagnosed as SBP/DBP ≥140/90 mmHg. Prevalence of elevated triglycerides (≥150 mg/dL), LDL-C (≥130 mg/dL), and reduced level of HDL-C (<40 mg/dL in men and <50 mg/dL in women) were calculated. Binomial regression analysis predicted hypertension by the lipid profile parameters. Mean value of age of the participants was 42.05 years. No significant sex differences of mean values of characteristics were observed. In the sample (n = 94), mean values of SBP (126.95 mmHg), DBP (83.61 mmHg), TG (148.31 mg/dL) and LDL-C (104.55 mg/dL) were within normal limits. Mean value of HDL-C was low (34.10 mg/dL). Prevalence of Hypertriglyceridemia (53.76%), high LDL-C (23.66%), and low HLD-C (51.61%) were remarkable in the sample. Hypertensive individuals had higher mean values of TG, LDL-C, TC, and non-HDL-C in comparison with normotensive peers. Lipid parameters showed significant association with hypertension and non-HDL-C was the best predictor showing odds ratio (1.08), correct classification rate (76.34%), sensitivity (76.60), specificity (76.09) and 87% area under ROC curve.

Consanguineous, Non-Consanguineous, Reproductive Events, Fertility and Mortality Differentials of Yerukula Tribe: an Endogamous Human Population, Andhra Pradesh India

The Yerukulas, a tribal population subsisting traditionally on agriculture, animal husbandry and handicrafts trade, inhabit largely in plains of Southern Indian states specifically, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The genetic demographic information regarding occupation, economic status, fertility and mortality, age of children etc were collected. The present genetic study on tribal population with moderately high fertility and mortality shows a picture of a growing population. Sex ratio was slightly deviated to the predominance of males. The inbreeding co-efficient for autosomes is 0.0381 and sex chromosomes is 0.0438 among the Yerukula tribe, and the overall inbreeding coefficient is 0.081 which is relatively high due to more number of uncle-niece marriages. Among postnatal deaths, neonatal deaths in non-consanguineous and infantile deaths in consanguineous couples are higher than their counterparts. The index of variability of fertility is higher in non-consanguineous couples and proportion of surviving offspring is higher in consanguineous couples. However, the percent offspring mortality is higher in non- consanguineous couples. Thus, improving socio-economic conditions and creating awareness on medical facilities so as to reduce the fertility and mortality is essential to keep the population growth under control.(76.34%), sensitivity (76.60), specificity (76.09) and 87% area under ROC curve.

An Anthropometric Study of Stature Estimation from Foot Morphometry in North Indian Population

Background and Objectives: The aim of present study is to find the correlation of foot morphometry withstature and to derive the regression equation for stature estimation among two endogamous (baniya and jats)groups of North India.Material and Method: The present study was carried out at Department of Anatomy, MMIMSR Mullana–Ambala, on 400 subjects(100 males,100 females of each group) belonging to known endogamous group(baniya and jats) of Haryana, age group ranged between 21-35 years. Height and foot length,foot breadth wasmeasured. Foot index was calculated. Statistical analysis including mean, standard deviation for stature andfoot morphometry of both sides were calculated separately for both sexes. Pearson’s correlation coefficientwas calculated to find correlation between stature and different foot morphometry .To estimate stature fromfoot morphometry linear regression analysis was done.Results: The mean and standard deviation for height in males was 173.68 ± 7.336 and in females was160.73 ± 10.049 with highly significant p value. The mean foot length,foot breadth of males was higher thanfemales with statistically significant p value. In males, the foot length and foot breadth of both sides havea highly significant correlation with height. In females the correlation of height was highly significant withfoot length, foot breadth and foot index among both the groups.Conclusion: A significant correlation coefficient was observed between height and foot length in males. Infemales, a significant correlation was observed between height and foot length and foot breadth. If either ofthe measurement is known(height or foot length/foot breadth), the other can be calculated. This would beuseful for Anthropologists and Forensic medicine experts.

Distribution of HLA Alleles and Haplotypes in Tamil-Speaking South Indian Populations: Affinities with Spanish and Austronesian

The present study was aimed to study HLA-DRB1, -DQB1 alleles and haplotypes of two endogamous groups of South India. PCR-SSP typing of HLA-DRB1, -DQB1 alleles were performed on 63 Mukkuvar, primarily a coastal population and 101 Valayar, a population primarily living on the fringes of forest areas. Genetic distances, neighbor-joining dendrograms and correspondence analysis have been performed. The HLA class II alleles, DRB1*07 (32.5%), DRB1*15 (23.0%), DRB1*13 (11.1%) and DRB1*12 (10.3%) were more frequent among Mukkuvar. Among Valayar, DRB1*12 (18.8%), DRB1*15 (17.3%), DRB1*04 (15.4%), DRB1*07 (13.4%) and DRB1*10 (10.9%) were more frequent. Similarly, DQB1*06 (38.1%), DQB1*02 (26.2%) and DQB1*05 (20.5%) alleles among Mukkuvar and DQB1*06 (40.2%) and DQB1*05 (28.9%) among Valayar were more frequent. We genotyped the two most common South Indian two-locus haplotypes, such as DRB1*15-DQB1*06 and DRB1*07-DQB1*02 for HLA-A, -B and -C alleles to identify the 5-locus extended haplotypes. We identified the presence of a highly unique extended haplotype A*03-B*35-C*12-DRB1*07-DQB1*02 in Valayar (HF: 0.2777) and Mukkuvar (HF: 0.1666) hitherto not reported in any of the world populations. The HLA-DRB1 allele based phylogenetic analysis have demonstrated the unique and distinct phylogenetic relatedness of Mukkuvar and Valayar with other ethnic populations. The coastal population Mukkuvar is more closely related to Hispanic and Guanche populations. However, the Valayar revealed phylogenetic relatedness with Austronesian and Micronesian populations supporting the theory of coastal migrations of Out-of-Africa ancestral founding populations.

Genetic diversity of X-STR markers in Jat Sikh population of Punjab, India and its comparison with other 39 global populations

Background The Jat Sikh population is the largest endogamous group of Punjab, a state in north-west India, and has not yet been explored for genetic polymorphism based on X-STR genetic markers. In India, which is the second most populous country in the world, only two population studies based on X-STR markers have been reported so far. Aim To explore the genetic diversity of 12 X chromosomal STR genetic markers in the Jat Sikh population of Punjab and expand the X-STR polymorphism database. Subjects and methods In this study, a total of 200 Jat Sikh individuals (100 males and 100 females) residing in Punjab were investigated for 12 X-STR markers using the Investigator Argus X-12 QS Kit. Results The highest power of discrimination (PD) in females (PDf) and males (PDm) was observed to be 0.965 (DXS10135) and 0.929 (DXS10135 and DXS10148), respectively. DXS10135 was found to be the most polymorphic and discriminating locus among all the studied loci in both males and females with highest values of power of discrimination (PD) and polymorphic information content (PIC) as well. Conclusion Overall, the studied markers of the Argus 12 X-STR kit provide high polymorphic information which may prove to be an important tool in resolving issues such as missing person identification, incest, immigration disputes, kinship analysis and genealogical studies. The dataset obtained from this study will add to the present database of X-STRs.

Correlation of Anthropometric Parameters with Blood Pressure: An Anthropometric Study among Two Endogamous Groups of Haryana

Background: The present study is undertaken to study the correlation of anthropometric measurements withblood pressure in females and to find out effectiveness of anthropometric indicators as predictors to differentgrades of high blood pressure.Materials and Method: A cross sectional study was conducted in 300 females aged 25-40 years belongingto two endogamous groups (baniya &amp; jats) of haryana. various anthropometric measurements includingheight, weight, WC and HC were measured and derived anthropometric indices were calculated. Bloodpressure including systolic and distolic was measured and data was statically analysed to find the prevalenceof hypertension, to compare the correlation coefficient and to find the regression analysis of differentanthropometric variables with BP(SBP, DBP) among the study group.Results: . : Mean and standard deviation of weight, DBP, WC, HC and WHtR was more in Baniyas . pvalue was highly significant for age, height, WHR and significant for WC and HC.Among the study groups,prevalence of hypertension was 46%.A positive correlation of BP (SBP, DBP) was observed among all basicand derived anthropometric indices in both endogamous groups of Haryana and it was found to be highlysignificant. BMI and WC was found to be a better predictor for SBP and DBP in Haryanvi Baniyas withhighly significant p value. WHR &amp; BMI had a strongest predictability for SBP &amp; DBP in Jat group .Conclusion: To conclude, anthropometric parameters are strongly correlated and are good predictors ofblood pressure in study population. Hence the present study recommends the screening programs and publicawareness to detect the anthropometric parameters which can lead to prevalence of hypertension.

The Incest Plot: Marriage, Closure, and the Novel's Endogamy

The Incest Plot: Marriage, Closure, and the Novel's Endogamy

Massively parallel sequencing of autosomal STRs and identity-informative SNPs highlights consanguinity in Saudi Arabia

While many studies have been undertaken of Middle Eastern populations using autosomal STR profiling by capillary electrophoresis, little has so far been published from this region on the forensic use of massively parallel sequencing (MPS). Here, we carried out MPS of 27 autosomal STRs and 91 identity-informative SNPs (iiSNPs) with the Verogen ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit on a representative sample of 89 Saudi Arabian males, and analysed the resulting sequence data using Verogen’s ForenSeq Universal Analysis Software (UAS) v1.3 and STRait Razor v3.0. This revealed sequence variation in the composition of complex STR arrays, and SNPs in their flanking regions, which raised the number of STR alleles from 238 distinct length variants to 357 sequence sub-variants. Similarly, between one and three additional polymorphic sites were observed within the amplicons of 37 of the 91 iiSNPs, forming up to six microhaplotypes per locus. These further enhance discrimination compared to the biallelic target SNP data presented by the primary UAS interface. In total, we observed twenty-two STR alleles previously unrecognised in the STRait Razor v3.0 default allele list, along with nine SNPs flanking target iiSNPs that were not highlighted by the UAS. Sequencing reduced the STR-based random match probability (RMP) from 2.62E-30 to 3.49E-34, and analysis of the iiSNP microhaplotypes reduced RMP from 9.97E-37 to 6.83E-40. The lack of significant linkage disequilibrium between STRs and target iiSNPs allowed the two marker types to be combined using the product rule, yielding a RMP of 2.39E-73. Evidence of consanguinity was apparent from both marker types. While TPOX was the only locus displaying a significant deviation from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, 23 out of 27 STRs and 63 out of 91 iiSNPs showed fewer than expected heterozygotes, demonstrating an overall homozygote excess probably reflecting the high frequency of first-cousin marriages in Saudi Arabia. We placed our data in a global context by considering the same markers in the Human Genome Diversity Panel (HGDP), revealing that the Saudi sample was typical of Middle Eastern populations, with a higher level of inbreeding than is seen in most European, African and Central/South Asian populations, correlating with known patterns of endogamy. Given reduced levels of diversity within endogamous groups, the ability to combine the discrimination power of both STRs and SNPs offers significant benefits in the analysis of forensic evidence in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East region more generally.

Endogamy between ethnicity and religion. Marriage and boundary construction in Voyvodovo (Bulgaria), 1900–1950

ABSTRACTThe article explores the concept of endogamy from the viewpoint of boundary construction in social anthropology. The author summarizes scholarly accounts of endogamy that conceptualize endogamy in terms of ethnicity, race, locality, or language. She argues that to determine an endogamous group, we should proceed from the actors´ point of view and ask what criteria the actors themselves consider as culturally meaningful. On the example of marriages of Czech- and Slovak-speaking Protestants in the Bulgarian village of Voyvodovo in 1900–1950 the author shows what these marriages and the actors´ perspective reveal about the character of the us/them boundary. The data are based on a long-term anthropological fieldwork using mainly participant observation, interviews and the genealogical method, along with the analysis of the local parish registers for the period 1900–1950. The inhabitants of the village that has been habitually represented a ‘compatriot village’ in the scholarly literature are depicted as constituting their identity more on religion than on shared ethnicity. The results of the research suggest that the villagers preferred people of the same religion as marriage partners, without any regard to their ethnicity or language. The author argues that the study of marriage rules should follow the same principles anthropologists have widely applied to the study of ethnicity: i.e. to focus on the differences people consider to be significant in constructing the boundaries between groups rather than to assume objective criteria delimiting endogamous groups.

Caste and Islamic Revivalist Movements: A Case Study of Eastern Muslims in Sri Lanka

Caste exists in all South Asian societies. Although the caste has become contentious among Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka, it suffered a fatal blow among the Tamils during the civil war. However, it has re-emerged once again during the post-war context. In contrast, the caste among Muslims in Sri Lanka gained no significance, since Islam has not subscribed to discrimination and inequality in the form of caste. Nevertheless, one may come across endogamous groups analogous to caste and such groups are subjected to certain discrimination among Muslims. As such, this study explores whether caste still exists among the Eastern Muslims of Sri Lanka and examines the role of Islamic revivalist movements in the caste dynamics. This study employed qualitative method for data collection such as observation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. It was found that various groups occupying a higher or lower strata of Muslim society in the Eastern Sri Lanka existed in the past, thanks to the influence of non-Muslim neighboring communities such as Tamils, as they live side by side in the Eastern Sri Lanka. However, such caste divisions do not exist anymore, given the Islamic revivalism that swept through South Asia including Sri Lanka in 1970s. Moreover, the study has also found that the advancement of education, westernization and globalization contributed significantly to erosion of caste discrimination among the Muslims in Eastern Sri Lanka.

Abstract #217 Interaction Analysis of Capn10 and Pgc-1α Genes with Type 2 Diabetes in Three Unrelated Endogamous Groups of North-West India: A Case-Control and Meta-Analysis Study

Abstract #217 Interaction Analysis of Capn10 and Pgc-1α Genes with Type 2 Diabetes in Three Unrelated Endogamous Groups of North-West India: A Case-Control and Meta-Analysis Study

Good Deeds: Parsi trusts from ‘the womb to the tomb’

AbstractParsis (Indian Zoroastrians), a small traditionally endogamous group, are well known in India for their philanthropic giving. The Parsis of Mumbai are beneficiaries of hundreds of Parsi public charitable trusts today, and this article will show how trusts, as particular forms of giving, establish perpetual communal obligation connecting the past and present. It will show how the circulation of personal assets through customary inheritance within a family is replaced by the trust with the circulation of communal obligations in perpetuity. While this mechanism of giving has a marked endurance, what has changed is what constitutes ‘the good’ within these deeds. Moving away from traditional philanthropic practices of subsidizing education, medical care, and welfare to the poor, the focus of giving has shifted to the pursuit of communal reproduction, both biological and social.

Replication of MACF1 gene variant rs2296172 with type 2 diabetes susceptibility in the Bania population group of Punjab, India

Microtubule actin cross-linking factor 1 (MACF1) gene variant rs2296172 has recently been associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, this variant has never been evaluated as such in Indian populations. In the present replication study, we genotyped variant rs2296172 by Taqman allele discrimination assay in 432 individuals belonging to the Bania caste group from Punjab, India. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) was evaluated for association with T2D, in a population based candidate gene case-control association study design, by estimating odds ratio with 95% confidence interval. The SNP rs2296172 of MACF1 was found to be significantly associated with T2D (p = 0.02) and odds ratio (OR) = 1.59 (1.06–2.38) at 95% CI . We further emphasize that the Indian population as such is a conglomeration of various endogamous population groups. It is critical that such replication studies be carried out in various populations to find association of variants to T2D susceptibility and understand genetic heterogeneity. However, it is important to avoid pooling of samples to address the concern of population stratification.