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BackgroundThe Parsis, one of the smallest religious community in the world, reside in South Asia. Previous genetic studies on them, although based on low resolution markers, reported both Iranian and Indian ancestries. To understand the population structure and demographic history of this group in more detail, we analyzed Indian and Pakistani Parsi populations using high-resolution autosomal and uniparental (Y-chromosomal and mitochondrial DNA) markers. Additionally, we also assayed 108 mitochondrial DNA markers among 21 ancient Parsi DNA samples excavated from Sanjan, in present day Gujarat, the place of their original settlement in India.ResultsOur extensive analyses indicated that among present-day populations, the Parsis are genetically closest to Middle Eastern (Iranian and the Caucasus) populations rather than their South Asian neighbors. They also share the highest number of haplotypes with present-day Iranians and we estimate that the admixture of the Parsis with Indian populations occurred ∼1,200 years ago. Enriched homozygosity in the Parsi reflects their recent isolation and inbreeding. We also observed 48% South-Asian-specific mitochondrial lineages among the ancient samples, which might have resulted from the assimilation of local females during the initial settlement.ConclusionsWe show that the Parsis are genetically closest to the Neolithic Iranians, followed by present-day Middle Eastern populations rather than those in South Asia and provide evidence of sex-specific admixture from South Asians to the Parsis. Our results are consistent with the historically-recorded migration of the Parsi populations to South Asia in the 7thcentury and in agreement with their assimilation into the Indian sub-continent’s population and cultural milieu “like sugar in milk”. Moreover, in a wider context our results suggest a major demographic transition in West Asia due to Islamic-conquest.

The ancient temple complex site at Chandhore in the Western Ghats of India was discovered in 2011. Subsequent excavations at the site revealed successive occupation from the Shilahara Period (1100 CE), to the Bahmani, Adilshahi, and Maratha Periods (1500 CE – 1800 CE). A stela like element bearing a motif of a cow suckling a calf were discovered at various locations at the site and its environs. Some of these showed an exceedingly fine level of craftsmanship whilst others were crude and devoid of inscriptions. These stelae/pillars are referred to as Gaay-vaasru (Cow-Calf) pillars. These stelae were found at random locations such as the backyard of a house, abandoned hillslopes, roadside pavements, etc. Understanding the significance of the erection of such pillars at these locations was the main objective of this project. Spatial techniques complemented by textual references, iconographic interpretations, etc. were used to achieve this objective.

Supplementary text explaining the archeological details of ancient samples; isolation of ancient DNA, genotyping, statistical analyses and peopling of South Asia and Parsi chapters. 12 figures and 10 tables are also incorporated in this file. (PDF 13264 kb)