Hyderabad: New Study Reveals Genetic Origins of Nicobarese People
The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad, in partnership with Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi, has uncovered new insights into the genetic origins of the Nicobarese people. The research sheds light on their ancestral connections and settlement history.
According to the study, the Nicobarese population shares a significant ancestral link with Austro-Asiatic populations found across South and Southeast Asia. The findings suggest that the Nicobar islanders settled in the region around 5,000 years ago.
A team of researchers from nine institutions, led by Dr. Kumarasamy Thangaraj of CCMB and Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of BHU, conducted a detailed genetic analysis. They used DNA markers inherited from mothers, fathers, and both parents to trace the ancestry and genetic connections of the Nicobarese with other populations in South and Southeast Asia. The results have been published in the European Journal of Human Genetics.
Dr. Thangaraj explained, “Our genetic study of 1,559 individuals from South and Southeast Asia reveals a strong ancestral connection between the Nicobarese and Austro-Asiatic populations. It also indicates that the Nicobar islanders settled there only about 5,000 years ago.”
Professor Chaubey, the study’s lead author, further elaborated that shared genomic regions across linguistic groups point to an ancient distribution of Austro-Asiatic populations in Southeast Asia. He emphasized that the Nicobarese and the Htin Mal are key to understanding ancient Austro-Asiatic heritage.
Dr. Vinay K. Nandicoori, Director of CSIR-CCMB, highlighted the broader significance of the research. He noted, “This study opens new doors for understanding the rich genetic diversity of Southeast Asia and underscores the importance of preserving the cultural and genetic heritage of Indigenous populations.”
