Genetic
Research on Nicobarese Ancestry – SCIENCE & TECHONOLGY
NEWS: A
new genetic research by scientists from CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology (CCMB)
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
Introduction to the Nicobarese Population
- Population
Details:
The Nicobarese community, with a population of approximately 25,000,
resides in the Nicobar Islands located in the eastern Indian Ocean, south
of the Andaman Islands.
- Cultural
and Genetic Significance:
The Nicobarese people hold notable ancestral ties with Austroasiatic
populations spread across South and Southeast Asia, revealing a shared
genetic and cultural history.
Key Findings from Genetic Research
- Research
Team and Objective:
The study, conducted by scientists from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular
Biology (CCMB), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), and seven other
institutions, aimed to investigate the ancestry and genetic connections of
the Nicobarese with South and Southeast Asian populations.
- Timeframe
of Settlement:
Earlier theories suggested that the Nicobarese linguistic ancestors
settled in the Nicobar archipelago during the early Holocene, around
11,700 years ago. However, the current genetic study suggests their
settlement occurred approximately 5,000 years ago, significantly revising
the timeline.
- Genetic
Markers Used:
The research analyzed DNA markers inherited maternally, paternally, and
from both parents to map genetic affinities and trace ancestry.
Genetic Affinities and Austroasiatic
Connections
- Link
to Austroasiatic Populations:
The study highlights the Nicobarese community’s strong genetic connections
to Austroasiatic populations, particularly with the ‘Htin Mal’ community,
an ethnic group from mainland Southeast Asia that speaks an Austroasiatic
language.
- Genetic
Drift Between Populations:
Despite their common genetic affinity, the ‘Htin Mal’ community exhibits a
pronounced genetic drift from the Nicobarese, likely due to their
geographic and cultural isolation over time.
- Shared
Genomic Regions:
Shared genomic regions across linguistic groups underscore the ancient
distribution of Austroasiatic populations throughout Southeast Asia,
revealing the wide-ranging influence of these populations in prehistory.
Key Contributions of the Study
- Genetic
Proxies for Austroasiatic Heritage:
The Nicobarese and ‘Htin Mal’ populations serve as valuable genetic
proxies for studying ancient Austroasiatic heritage, providing insights
into the genetic and migratory patterns of this linguistic group.
- Comprehensive
Analysis:
The study included genetic data from 1,559 individuals across South and
Southeast Asia, offering robust evidence for the revised settlement
timeline of the Nicobarese.
- Linguistic
and Genetic Interconnections:
By correlating linguistic patterns with genetic data, the research
reinforces the historical movements and interactions of
Austroasiatic-speaking populations in Southeast Asia.
Geographic and Historical Context
- Location
of Nicobar Islands:
The Nicobar Islands consist of seven major islands, including Car Nicobar
and Great Nicobar, along with numerous smaller islands. Their strategic
location in the eastern Indian Ocean positions them at a crossroads of
ancient migratory routes.
- Revised
Settlement Hypothesis:
Contrary to previous theories of early Holocene settlement, the genetic
evidence now indicates that the Nicobarese people likely arrived in the
archipelago around 5,000 years ago, aligning with broader Austroasiatic
dispersal patterns in the region.
Expert Opinions and Implications
- Statement
by Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj (CCMB):
Dr. Thangaraj emphasized that the findings significantly alter the
understanding of Nicobarese settlement history and highlight their genetic
relationship with mainland Austroasiatic populations like the ‘Htin Mal’.
- Statement
by Prof. Gyaneshwer Chaubey (BHU):
Prof. Chaubey noted that the study’s results demonstrate the ancient and
extensive distribution of Austroasiatic populations across Southeast Asia.
He further underlined the genetic importance of the Nicobarese and ‘Htin
Mal’ in tracing Austroasiatic ancestry.
Broader Implications of the Study
- Understanding
Population Dynamics:
The research sheds light on the migratory patterns, genetic drift, and
cultural evolution of Austroasiatic-speaking groups across South and
Southeast Asia.
- Revising
Historical Timelines:
By challenging previous theories of settlement, the study encourages
re-evaluation of migration and settlement narratives related to island
populations and Austroasiatic heritage.
- Interdisciplinary
Insights:
Combining genetic, linguistic, and archaeological evidence, this research
enriches the understanding of human history and prehistoric connections in
Southeast Asia.
Conclusion
This groundbreaking study redefines the historical
timeline and genetic connections of the Nicobarese people, highlighting their
shared Austroasiatic heritage with mainland populations like the ‘Htin Mal’. By
revising the settlement timeframe to around 5,000 years ago, it underscores the
complexity of prehistoric migrations and cultural interactions across South and
Southeast Asia.
Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/new-research-sheds-light-on-genetic-heritage-of-the-nicobarese/article68954262.ece#:~:text=The%2025%2C000%2Dstrong%20Nicobarese%20population,Centre%20for%20Cellular%20and%20Molecular