Genetic differentiation among some endogamous populations of Andhra Pradesh, India

Abstract

Endogamous populations belonging to Brahmin, Vysya, Mala, and Madiga castes of Andhra Pradesh, South India, were investigated for certain red cell enzyme and serum protein genetic markers. Frequency values were statistically analyzed to assess genetic variation among the populations. Average heterozygosity of ten loci and genetic diversity within and between the populations were calculated by using the methods of Nei. Nei's index was used to calculate genetic distances between the pairs of populations. A dendrogram was drawn adapting the modified unweighted pair group method suggested by Li, which agreed with the history of the populations.

Directional migration in the Hindu castes: inferences from mitochondrial, autosomal and Y-chromosomal data

“…First, statistically significant genetic distances are found between castes with different ranks (Bamshad et al 2001). This finding is consistent with earlier evidence for genetic differentiation among caste groups (Bamshad et al 1998;Bhattacharyya et al 1999;Char et al 1989;Dutta et al 2002;Lakshmi et al 2002;Mountain et al 1995;Papiha et al 1996), as well as with the ethnographic observation that intercaste marriages are rare (Heinz 1999). Second, intercaste genetic distances are greater for the Y-chromosome data than for the mtDNA data, and genetic distance is correlated with difference in caste status in mtDNA, but not in Y chromosomes (Bamshad et al 1998).…”

“…Because castes are highly endogamous, and because men and women of different castes may be more likely to marry if their castes are of similar social status, it is reasonable to hypothesize that inter-caste genetic distances may be correlated with similarity in caste status. Indeed, such correlations have been observed in some studies (Bamshad et al 1998(Bamshad et al , 2001Char et al 1989;Dutta et al 2002;Lakshmi et al 2002;Papiha et al 1996). However, genetic studies show that 95% or more of genetic variation occurs within caste populations (Bamshad et al 2001;Majumder 1998;Papiha et al 1996), and genetic variation is strongly affected by factors such as language and geographic distance.…”

“…Although the level of genetic differentiation between castes is relatively small, genetic distances observed in several studies suggest that gene flow is limited (Bamshad et al 1998(Bamshad et al , 2001Bhattacharyya et al 1999;Char et al 1989;Dutta et al 2002;Lakshmi et al 2002;Papiha et al 1996). However, some intercaste migration does occur.…”

Genetic variation in South Indian castes: evidence from Y-chromosome, mitochondrial, and autosomal polymorphisms

“…Genetic distances between caste populations from the state of Andhra Pradesh, India, are correlated with differences in caste rank, suggesting that endogamy and differential inter-caste gene flow influences genetic structure [ 30 ]. Several studies have found a similar pattern, [ 31 - 33 ] but others have not [ 6 , 34 ]. Higher rank castes may show closer affinity to European populations than do other caste populations [ 13 ].…”

Somatic comparisons: Baiga and Gond males of Madhya Pradesh, India

“…However, it seems clear these rural children and youths do not belong to the "privileged groups'' of India and lack many of the "amenities of life." India is aptly called an "ethnological museum" with great diversity among her population in different regions (Char et al, 1989); this appears to be correct.…”