Genetic heterogeneity and population structure in north-west India
Papiha, S.S.; Mukherjee, B.N.; Chahal, M.S.; Malhotra, K.C.; Roberts, D.F.
Annals of Human Biology 9(3): 235-251
1982
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-4460 PMID: 7103405 DOI: 10.1080/03014468200005731Document Number: 394627
Genetic markers consisting of 11 blood group and red cell enzyme systems were investigated in 14 endogamous groups of north-west India. Genetic differentiation among the samples as indicated by FST is appreciable, reflecting the ethnic diversity characteristic of this region. Local variation within each state is lower, indicating a geographical component to the total variation. This variation is refined by calculations of genetic distances, which show that the tribals and low-caste groups are closer together but well separated from high-caste Brahmins and other non-tribal middle castes. There is a slight possibility of disruptive selection, but the analyses suggest that the differences in genetic structure in north-west India are more likely to be due to their breeding structure, differential migration and ethnic affiliation.