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New study decodes when the Nicobarese people came to the island

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(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Topic: GS1 – Indian Society, GS3 – Science and Technology
Context
  • A recent genetic study traces the migration history of the Nicobarese people, revealing their links to Southeast Asia and refining the timeline of their arrival.

Early Human Migration

  • More than 500,000 years ago, human ancestors began migrating beyond Africa in search of food and better living conditions.
  • Over time, humans spread to all habitable parts of the world, but some migration stories are still unclear.

New Genetic Findings

  • The research team analyzed 1,559 DNA samples from South and Southeast Asia.
  • The Nicobarese share a genetic link with the Htin Mal community from the Laos-Thailand region.
  • They have also retained their Austroasiatic language roots, belonging to the Khmuic branch.

Revised Migration Timeline

  • Earlier studies suggested the Nicobarese arrived 11,500 years ago, but new genetic research shows they migrated around 5,000 years ago.
  • DNA mutations, which occur due to environmental changes, helped researchers refine the migration timeline.

Differences Between Andamanese and Nicobarese

  • The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are separated by the Ten Degree Channel (150 km wide).
  • Despite their proximity, the Andamanese and Nicobarese have distinct physical features and genetic histories.
  • A 2005 study found Andamanese tribes like Onge and Great Andamanese preserved two ancient maternal genetic lineages M31 and M32, dating back 50,000–70,000 years.

Future Research Plans

  • The Nicobarese live in isolation, which has preserved their genetic identity without much mixing with other populations.
  • Their lifestyle differs greatly from genetically similar Southeast Asian groups.
  • Scientists aim to study how natural selection and environmental factors have shaped their immunity and survival strategies.
  • Their isolation from pathogens makes them vulnerable to infections from the outside world.
Nicobarese Tribe
  • Nicobarese are the indigenous people of the Nicobar Islands, which are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India.
  • They belong to the Austroasiatic linguistic family and speak Nicobarese, which has several dialects.
  • The community follows a tribal lifestyle, with fishing, hunting, and horticulture as primary occupations.
  • They traditionally practice animism, but many have converted to Christianity.
  • The Government of India protects Nicobarese under the Scheduled Tribes category.
  • They maintain limited interaction with outsiders to preserve their culture.
  • The Nicobar Tribal Council governs their local affairs.
  • The 2004 tsunami severely affected their population and settlements.
  • Entry to the Nicobar Islands is restricted to outsiders.

 

Practice Question:  Examine the significance of genetic studies in understanding human migration patterns. Discuss the findings related to the Nicobarese people’s origins and their implications. (150 Words /10 marks)

Check more- The impact of classifying denotified tribes

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