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Genetic markers in the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars of Northwestern India
Author(s) -
Balgir R. S.,
Sharma J. C.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
american journal of physical anthropology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.146
H-Index - 119
eISSN - 1096-8644
pISSN - 0002-9483
DOI - 10.1002/ajpa.1330750310
Subject(s) - hinduism , biology , population , genetic diversity , abo blood group system , genetics , zoology , demography , sociology , religious studies , philosophy
A comparative study of serogenetic markers was carried out among the Hindu and Muslim Gujjars from Northwestern India. From each isolate of Gujjars, 200 adult couples were examined for the A 1 A 2 BO and Rhesus blood groups, ABH secretion, the serum proteins haptoglobins, transferrins, and albumins, and 200 male subjects were examined for glucose‐6‐phosphate dehydrogenase enzyme deficiency. The study showed that the Muslim Gujjars differ significantly from their counterpart, the Hindu Gujjars. The differentiation that has occurred among the Muslim Gujjars may be attributed to their geographical dispersal in diverse habitats, the inflow of genes from Islamic invaders as well as non‐Islamic surrounding populations, the inbreeding effect, and the comparative breeding isolation. The genetic affinities of the Hindu Gujjars with the Jats and Rajputs provide strong evidence for their common ethnic origin and probably their recent fissioning owing to biosocial practices and occupational patterns. The computed genetic distance matrix shows diversity of Ahirs from all the concerned population groups.