Hyderabad: The first large-scale genetic study of the Sindhi community settled along India’s west coast has revealed that they possess a distinct genetic makeup, different from their counterparts in Pakistan. The findings were published in the journal ‘Human Genomics’ on Sept 30. The research was led by Kumarasamy Thangaraj, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow at the CSIR–Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, Hyderabad, in collaboration with Lomous Kumar of DST-Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences (BSIP), Lucknow. The study analysed six lakh DNA markers to trace the ancestry and migration history of Indian Sindhis living along the Konkan coast in Maharashtra. Results revealed that this community shows genetic affinities with the Burusho and Hazara-like populations of present day Pakistan, both historically noted for Mongoloid features. “We found that the Sindhi population on India’s west coast has a unique genetic profile, distinct from Pakistani Sindhis. They show affinities toward Burusho or Hazara-like groups, along with evidence of recent genetic mixing with local populations such as the Konkani,” said Thangaraj. East Asian component The study also detected a small but distinctive East Asian genetic component in Indian Sindhis, absent in Pakistani Sindhis. “This component was likely introduced much earlier in history, possibly during the Iron Age or through later migrations such as the Mongols,” explained Kumar. Researchers said that Sindhis migrated to western India over centuries, partly due to proximity with Sindh in present day Pakistan, with a major influx occurring during the Partition of India in 1947. “These findings highlight the demographic changes and population shifts in western India associated with multiple migration events, some dating back to the Iron or Middle Ages, and others as recent as post-independence,” added Vinay, a co-author of the study. The research provides the first comprehensive genetic insight into Indian Sindhis, revealing a complex history shaped by ancient migrations, regional assimilation, and modern demographic changes.
