Ancient Indian Communities: Insights from Modern Genomics

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Context:

Recently, a study is conducted by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), to trace the roots of ancient Indian communities using modern genomics.

Details

The study includes skeletal remains from prominent Indus Valley Civilization sites such as Harappa and Mohenjo Daro (now in Pakistan), Burzahom (Jammu and Kashmiri), Nagarjunakonda (Andhra Pradesh), Maski (Karnataka), Ropar (Punjab) and Lothal (Gujarat). These remains excavated between 1922 and 1958 by the Archeological Survey of India are now in the custodianship of AnSI.

Key Findings of the stud

Focus	The study focuses on the analysis of 300 ancient skeletal remains, including cranial bones and teeth sourced from various ecological sites in India and Pakistan.
Origins	The research seeks to uncover details about ancient diets, living conditions, disease prevalence, environmental adaptation and migration pattern.
Historical Context	It is expected to conclude by December 2025 and provide conclusive evidence regarding ancient population movements and interactions.
Aryan Migration	The project will address long-standing debates such as Aryan’s invasion theory, which posited that fair-skinned people from Central Asia migrated to India after the Indus Valley Period (2000-1500) and significantly influenced its civilization.
Partnership	Anthropological Survey of India and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, combining anthropology and paleosciences expertise.
Significance	The research will help in understanding where people came from, how they lived and how environmental changes shape their history and legacy.
Scientific Impact	Use of modern genomics to contribute significantly to understanding cultural heritage and advancing scientific knowledge about ancient human history in South Asia.

Reference- https://www.news9live.com/india/up-man-who-eloped-with-minor-found-dead-at-police-officers-house-family-cries-foul-2722812

Debate on Aryan Migration

According to several modern Archeologists in India, the Aryans were indigenous people who resided mainly along the Saraswati River. Once it dried up, they migrated to regions within and outside India and also settled in the Indus Valley.
The Archeological Survey of India cites recent excavations from the 4000-year-old archeological site in Sinauli, Uttar Pradesh, where they found evidence of burials of warriors, weapons, and chariots, which is indigenous.
Recently, some changes were made to NCERT Test books based on these findings stressing the continuity of Indian civilization for 5000 years, casting doubts on Aryan migration.

About Archeological Survey of India

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is a premier government organization in India responsible for the archaeological research, conservation, and preservation of cultural heritage sites and monuments.
The ASI was founded during British colonial rule in India in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, often regarded as the "Father of Indian Archaeology."
Its establishment was prompted by a growing interest in Indian antiquities and the need to document and preserve the nation's historical sites and artifacts.
Over the years, the ASI has evolved and expanded its scope to become a leading authority in the field of archaeology and heritage conservation.

About Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI)

The Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) holds a unique position as the sole research organization dedicated to anthropological studies within a governmental framework.
Its roots trace back to the Zoological and Anthropological section of the Indian Museum, which evolved into the Zoological Survey of India in 1916.
Later, in 1945, the Anthropology section formed into an independent body.
The headquarters shifted from Banaras to Calcutta in 1948.

Key Facts of Indus Valley Civilization

Indus Valley Civilization	Features
Period	Bronze Age
Date	3300 BC – 1300 BC
Geographical Range	Indus River Basin; NW India & Eastern Pakistan
Preceded by	Mehrgarh
Succeeded by	Painted Grey Ware Culture
Noted for	Urban planning, baked brick houses, elaborate drainage systems, water supply systems, clusters of large non-residential buildings, and new techniques in handicraft (carnelian products, seal carving) and metallurgy (copper, bronze, lead, and tin)
Status	UNESCO World Heritage Site

Archaeological Findings

Harappa	Cemetery H & R37; Coffin burial; Phallus worship; Mother goddess, Bullock Carts, Single Roomed Barracks, Granaries, Sandstone Steatite of a youth with muscular body, Bronze Image of a Dog Attacking a Deer, Sandstone Girl Dancer, Reserved slip ware of Mesopotamian Type
Mohenjo-Daro	Prepared garments, Pashupati seal, Bronze statue of a dancing girl, Ivory weight balance, The Great Bath, The Great Granary, Priest king statue (of steatite), human skeleton huddled together
Kalibangan	Lower fortified town, Fire Altar, Boustrophedon style writing, Wooden drainage, Copper ox, Evidence of earthquake, Wooden plough, Camel’s bone, 6 types of pottery
Lothal	Dockyard, Port Town, Evidence of Rice, Fire Altar, Ivory weight balance, Copper dog.
Rangpur	Evidence of Rice
Surkotada	Horse bone, stone covered grave, Human ashes
Chanhudaro	Bangle factory, Ink pot, only city without citadel, Carts with seated driver, Small Pot Shell Ornament Makers Factory, Metal Workers Factory, Bead Making Factory Shell Ornament Makers Factory
Balakot	Bangle Factory
Daimabad	Bronze Buffalo, Copper Rhinoceros, Copper Elephant
Amri	Remains of Rhinoceros
Ropar	Dog buried with humans, steatite seal, oval pit burials.
Banawali	Oval shaped settlement, only city with radial streets, toy plough
Dholavira	Only site to be divided into three parts, giant water reservoir, unique water harnessing system, Dam, Embankments, stadium, rock – cut architecture
Balakot	Shell Ornament makers Factory
Rakhigarhi	Skeletons of a 4,500-old woman, Clay plough

Note: Indus Valley Script has not yet been deciphered

Conclusion

The study emphasizes on whether Aryan migration happened or not and it aims to offer clear conclusions about the movement and interaction of ancient populations in India. The evidence will help us understand the expansion of the ancient Indian population over time, leading to a deeper and more accurate narrative of Ancient Indian history.

READ ABOUT-

HARAPPAN AND INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION

NCERT revises Class 12 history to highlight Harappan

Source:

INDIAN EXPRESS

REFERENCE-

https://newskarnataka.com/sci-tech/india-launches-groundbreaking-dna-study-to-unravel-ancient-population-history/14102024/#google_vignette

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Analyze the significance of reconstructing the population history of South Asia. Discuss the various methodologies employed for this purpose. (150 words)

RECONSTRUCTION OF THE POPULATION HISTORY OF SOUTH ASIA