Population structure of the Indian people: some microevolutionary aspects.

ABSTRACT

Some aspects of population structure, namely village endogamy, marital distance and consanguinity in India are discussed. These parameters show social and geographic variation. The role of culture is of great importance in determining the mating pattern of a population. In the Indian situation, group endogamy in general does not cause inbreeding. Consanguinity is a cultural phenomenon of long-standing tradition, and so far there is no strong indication of a temporal change.

ABSTRACT

PIP This study analyzed the role of India's population structure in influencing genetic composition under different sets of conditions, including marital distance, village endogamy, and consanguinity. Mean marital distance (distance between the birthplaces of spouces) varies widely for different Indian populations, from 8.5-95 km, and is largely influenced by whether village endogamy is encouraged or discouraged. Thus, the particular situation of a caste group produces different forms of gene dispersion. In general, group endogamy does not cause in inbreeding. Consanguinity is a longstanding cultural tradition, with geographical location rather than caste playing the decisive role in influencing mating patterns. There is no evidence of a temporal decrease in consanguinity. The different patterns of gene dispersion and mate selection in India necessitate prior knowledge of the social structure when planning and interpreting genetic studies.