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<p>Ancient DNA (aDNA) research has revolutionized the reconstruction of human population history, offering unprecedented temporal depth beyond what modern genomic data can provide. While global ancient DNA based studies have illuminated demographic transitions across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the Indian sub-continent remains comparatively underexplored despite its pivotal role in early human dispersals and abundance of human skeletal remains. This review critically synthesizes the progress and challenges in applying aDNA methods to South Asian contexts and examines competing interpretations of population history—including the Indo-Aryan migration, continuity versus replacement of Indus Valley populations, and the genetic consequences of caste endogamy. By evaluating strengths and limitations in existing models and highlighting recent genomic evidence from Rakhigarhi, Swat Valley, and related sites, we argue that aDNA data are essential for reconciling archaeological and linguistic narratives with genetic evidence. Finally, we outline methodological and ethical priorities for future work aimed at building a comprehensive and testable model of South Asian population dynamics.</p>

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Ancient DNA: revisiting past through population genomics

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年1月28日

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  • Shivani Tyagi,
  • Niraj Rai

摘要

Ancient DNA (aDNA) research has revolutionized the reconstruction of human population history, offering unprecedented temporal depth beyond what modern genomic data can provide. While global ancient DNA based studies have illuminated demographic transitions across Europe, Africa, and the Americas, the Indian sub-continent remains comparatively underexplored despite its pivotal role in early human dispersals and abundance of human skeletal remains. This review critically synthesizes the progress and challenges in applying aDNA methods to South Asian contexts and examines competing interpretations of population history—including the Indo-Aryan migration, continuity versus replacement of Indus Valley populations, and the genetic consequences of caste endogamy. By evaluating strengths and limitations in existing models and highlighting recent genomic evidence from Rakhigarhi, Swat Valley, and related sites, we argue that aDNA data are essential for reconciling archaeological and linguistic narratives with genetic evidence. Finally, we outline methodological and ethical priorities for future work aimed at building a comprehensive and testable model of South Asian population dynamics.