Genetic sketch of the six population groups of Rajasthan: a study based on 12 autosomal loci

Abstract

Rajasthan lies on the northwest border of India, and has acted as a major route for human movements since prehistoric and historic times. The present study was conducted to gain an insight into inter-and intrapopulation affinities or variations among the six population groups of Rajasthan. DNA samples from 221 unrelated individuals belonging to six endogamous population groups of Rajasthan, including both tribal (Bhil, Damaria, Garasia, Mina and Saharia) and caste populations (Rajput) were screened for 12 DNA (seven Alu indel and five RFLP) markers. All the loci were found to be polymorphic in all the studied populations. The G_ST values which determine the genetic differentiation between the population ranges from 1.5% in LPL to 8.7% in APO. This study suggests that the population groups of Rajasthan are genetically close to other Indian populations, reflecting a common genetic unity among the Indian populations. The study also indicates European gene flow into the populations studied in this paper.