Esha Bandyopadhyay, PhD Student, Human Genetics, University of Chicago
Investigating the genetic history of humans in the trans-Himalaya
The Himalayan arc has played a crucial role in molding the genetic, cultural, and ethno-linguistic diversity of human populations in the region. Archaeological evidence suggests long-term cultural connections across the Himalayas, such as the trans-Himalayan cist burial culture found in Tibet, Nepal, India, and Northwest Pakistan that dates between the first millennium BCE and historical times. To expand our understanding of the genetic history of high-altitude inhabitants in the trans-Himalayan region, we generated and analyzed genetic data from three ancient individuals dated between 1,127 -1,362 years ago and ten present-day individuals from neighboring settlements in the high-altitude regions of Kinnaur, Lahual and Spiti districts in Himachal Pradesh. In my talk, I will discuss how genetic diversity varied over time in the trans Himalaya and insights from this research on the migratory and genetic admixture patterns of high-altitude peoples living in the region today.