Table of Contents
African Ancestry in Makrani Population: Genetic Evidence from mtDNA Analysis
Last Updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
Along Pakistan’s Makran coast lies a community whose appearance, traditions, and ancestry reflect a unique blend of African and South Asian heritage — the Makrani. For centuries, this region served as a cultural and commercial link between Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia.
Recent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) analysis has provided compelling scientific evidence of the Makrani’s African roots, tracing maternal lineages to specific regions in Africa. This post examines the genetic findings, historical context, and cultural implications of this deep-rooted connection.
Thesis Excerpt & Analysis
“The high frequency of African mtDNA haplogroups in Makranis shows their origin with major genetic contribution from Mozambique Bantu… and Fulani people of West-Central Africa” (p. ii).
Genetic Evidence of African Roots
- Haplogroup Composition: “Based on identified haplotypes, the Makranis showed admixed mtDNA pool consisting of African haplogroups (28%), West Eurasian haplogroups (26%), South Asian haplogroups (24%), and East Asian haplogroups (2%)” (p. ii).
The African haplogroups, mainly L0, L1, L2, and L3, are direct indicators of sub-Saharan maternal ancestry. - High Diversity: “The high genetic diversity (0.9688)… reflects intense gene flow in the Makrani population” (p. ii).
This diversity stems from centuries of migration, maritime trade, and intermarriage.
Historical Context of African Influence
- Maritime Trade Routes: The Makran coast connected East Africa with Arabia, Persia, and the Indian subcontinent, facilitating migration and settlement.
- African Slave Trade: Historical records note African slaves brought to Balochistan during the Omani and Portuguese maritime eras, some of whom integrated into the Makrani community.
Cultural Markers of African Heritage
- Distinct facial features and skin tones linked to African ancestry.
- Music and dance traditions with rhythms resembling East African coastal cultures.
- Oral histories recounting African forebears arriving via sea trade.
Forensic & Anthropological Significance
- The high mtDNA diversity in Makranis provides strong discriminatory power for forensic identification.
- The African haplogroup presence in Pakistan enriches the understanding of South Asian genetic history and highlights the African diaspora in Asia.
Connections to Broader African Diaspora
Similar genetic patterns are seen in African-descended populations in Oman, India (Siddi), and coastal Iran, showing a shared legacy of migration and trade across the Indian Ocean.
Conclusion
The Makrani are living proof of centuries-old genetic and cultural connections between Africa and South Asia. Through mtDNA analysis, science has confirmed what history and tradition have long suggested — the Makrani’s maternal lineage carries a strong African signature, woven into the diverse genetic fabric of Pakistan.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: Some sentences have been lightly edited for SEO and readability. For the full, original research, please refer to the complete thesis PDF linked in the section above.
Source & Citations
Thesis Title: Genetic Characterization of Mitochondrial DNA in Makrani and Kalashi Population from Pakistan
Researcher: Muhammad Hassan Siddiqi
Guide (Supervisor): Prof. Dr. Tanveer Akhtar
University: University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Year of Compilation: 2014
Excerpt Page Numbers: ii, 56–74
Author Bio
Muhammad Hassan Siddiqi, PhD, is a population geneticist and zoologist specializing in mitochondrial DNA research, human migration patterns, and forensic genetics. His work has illuminated the genetic diversity of South Asia’s coastal and mountain communities.
Do you think genetic research should play a larger role in preserving cultural histories like that of the Makrani? Share your thoughts below.
Discover more from Professor Of Zoology
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.