Gujarati Brahmin y-DNA reveals genetic links to Europe
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Researchers analysed Y-chromosome DNA from 421 men of the Gujarati Brahmin community in India to map genetic diversity and relationships.
This endogamous group, a population that marries within itself, shows a unique pattern of genetic markers useful in both forensic science and understanding how people moved across India over time. The study found the R1a haplogroup was most common at 39%, followed by L at 15% and J at 12%.
Comparisons to over 24 populations worldwide using 3,213 Y-STR genotypes revealed genetic similarities between Gujarati Brahmins and groups in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, both regions in India, as well as populations in West and North Europe. A visual representation of these relationships, created using Multi-Dimensional Scaling, showed a distinctive “butterfly-like” pattern, indicating clear but complex connections. The researchers observed a “star-like” pattern within the dominant R1a haplogroup, suggesting a relatively recent common ancestor for many individuals carrying it.
The presence of older haplogroups like L, J, and H alongside R1a indicates a long history of accumulated genetic changes within the Gujarati Brahmin population. This expanded Y-STR dataset will improve both forensic investigations and broader studies of population genetics in India.
