Scientist to do first ever genetic study on Lakshadweep Island’s native

Question: Lakshadweep is an island group located in which of the following water body?
(a) Gulf of Mannar
(b) Bay of Bengal
(c) Arabian Sea
(d) Indian Ocean
Answer: (c)
Related facts:

  • A team of researchers led by Dr K Thangaraj at CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) performed the first ever genetic study of Lakshadweep islanders whose results have been published in the Scientific Report.
  • Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands covering approx. 78,000 square km area of the Arabian Sea in the south-western coast of India. It has population of approximately 65,000.

The report:

  • The report shows that a majority of human ancestry in Lakshadweep is largely derived from South Asia. It has some with minor influences from East and West Eurasia. There was no evidence of early human migration through the Lakshadweep islands.
  • Earlier studies have shown that early human migration from Africa to Andaman and Australia happened through western coast of India.
  • DNA samples of 557 individuals from eight major islands for mitochondrial DNA and 166 individuals for Y chromosome were studied in the study.
  • A strong founder effect for both paternal and maternal lineages was also found. It is a sign that the island population had limited genetic mixing.
  • Major islands of Agatti, Andorth, Bitra, Chetlat, Kadmat, Kalpeni, Kiltan and Minicoy of Lakshadweep were studied demonstrating a close genetic link of Lakshadweep islanders with people from Maldives, Sri Lanka and India.
  • The first human settlement of the island is not clear.
  • It was known to sailors since ancient times and historical documents say that the spread of Buddhism to these islands happened during 6th century B.C., Islam in 661 A.D. by Arabians. Cholas ruled the islands in 11th century, Portuguese in 16th century, Ali Rajahs in 17th, Tipu Sultan in 18th before the British Raj of 19th century.

Links:
https://www.deccanherald.com/national/south/genetic-study-on-lakshadweep-human-settlements-done-732743.html
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/scientists-carry-out-genetic-study-on-people-of-lakshadweep-islands/article27051377.ece