Rajasthan's DNA linked more closely to MP, Gujarat: Study
A new genome-wide study by BHU geneticist Gyaneshwar Chaubey reveals Rajasthan's population shares closer genetic ties with MP and Gujarat than Pakistan.
A groundbreaking genetic study has revealed that the people of Rajasthan share a much stronger biological connection with the populations of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat than previously thought. According to findings presented by Professor Gyaneshwar Chaubey, a geneticist at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), the genetic profile of Rajasthan is deeply rooted in the central-western region of the Indian subcontinent.
Professor Chaubey shared these insights during a research-based lecture at an international seminar titled 'Rajasthan: Antiquity and Transformation.' The two-day event was organized by the Varanasi Institute of History in partnership with the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), New Delhi.
Challenging Old Theories of West-to-East Gene Flow
For nearly two decades, a different narrative existed regarding the genetic makeup of the region. A 2005 study conducted by French scientist Lluis Quintana-Murci and international collaborators suggested that the populations of Rajasthan had a close affinity with present-day Pakistan. That study, which relied on mitochondrial DNA and Y-chromosomes, pointed toward a continuous flow of genes moving from west to east across the northwestern frontier.
However, the new research led by Professor Chaubey effectively negates that older interpretation. The primary reason for the discrepancy lies in the depth of the science: while the 2005 study examined only small segments of DNA, the current research utilized entire genome sequencing.
By analyzing 669 individuals—including members of the Meena and Gujjar communities as well as the general mixed population of Rajasthan—the team used advanced statistical measures of genetic distance and clustering. The results clearly show that these populations are more closely related to groups from North and Central India rather than a West-Pakistan continuum.
The Bhil Tribe: A Genetic Bridge
One of the most fascinating aspects of the lecture was the detailed analysis of the Bhil tribe. As India's second-largest tribe, the Bhils are spread across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The study found a common "Pan-Bhil" ancestry among these groups, but with significant regional differences:
- Gujarat Bhils: Showed the lowest levels of admixture with neighboring populations.
- Rajasthan Bhils: Exhibited the highest levels of diversity and admixture with surrounding castes and tribes.
This high level of admixture suggests that Rajasthan acts as a genetic bridge between different regions. Professor Chaubey noted that the DNA of the Bhil tribe is a vital component of India's genetic foundation, representing a scientific continuity in both maternal and paternal lineages that mirrors their socio-cultural history.
Ancient Lineages and Maternal History
The study also delved into mitochondrial DNA lineages, which can be traced back approximately 52,000 years. Because mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mother to offspring, it provides a window into the most ancient layers of maternal ancestry. The research highlighted India-specific haplogroups, such as M, R5, and U2i, which are linked to the early settlement patterns of the subcontinent.