Y-Chromosome and mito DNA study on Baniya Caste Population of Haryana

Our study on maternal and paternal lineages with the help of Mitochondrial DNA and Y Chromosome markers respectively on Baniya Caste Population of Haryana revealed the Indo-European affinity of the studied population. We showed that most of the individuals of Baniya caste exhibited the Indian specific macrohaplogroup M in mitochondrial DNA analysis and belonging to M207-R haplogroup which are the Indian specific haplogroups. PCA confirmed the strong affinity of this caste population with IE genepool with little admixture from neibouring population as evident from the clustering with the IE groups. The Admixture analysis showed the contribution of IE group in the origin of this caste population. The result reflects the rigidity in the customs of the Hindu society. There was the prominent reflection of the strict customs of the endogamy as evident from the homogeneity of the genepool of the studied caste. Thus, the social barrier has played a major role in shaping an origin of a caste population mainly.