Table of Contents
West Eurasian Haplogroups in Kalashi Population: Genetic Traces of Ancient Migrations
Last Updated: August 12, 2025
Introduction
In the remote valleys of Chitral, Pakistan, lives the Kalashi — a small ethnic group with a genetic signature unlike any other in South Asia. Recent mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) research reveals that their maternal ancestry is overwhelmingly West Eurasian, a legacy that echoes through centuries of migration and cultural exchange.
This article examines the prevalence, origins, and historical implications of West Eurasian haplogroups in the Kalashi population, based on full control region mtDNA sequencing.
Thesis Excerpt & Analysis
“In Kalashi population, the dominating haplogroups were West Eurasians (98.2%) while a small proportion (0.9%) of South Asians were also observed” (p. ii).
Dominant Haplogroups
“The greater frequency of West Eurasian haplogroups in Kalash might be the consequence of the Arab and Muslim conquests, the rise of the British Indian Empire and invasion by the armies of Alexander the Great” (p. ii).
- Most frequent haplogroup: U4 — common in Europe and linked to Upper Paleolithic settlers.
- Additional presence of haplogroups J, HV, and R0, all typical of West Eurasia.
Historical Context
“The highest contribution of western Eurasian haplogroups in this population is due to their maternal lineages… no evidence of East or South Asian lineages has been reported” (p. 4).
- Possible genetic influx during Alexander the Great’s campaigns in Central and South Asia.
- Reinforced by trade and cultural exchanges along the Silk Road and during later conquests.
Low Genetic Diversity
“Extremely low genetic diversity (0.8393)… and higher probability match between two random individuals (0.168) in Kalashi population were observed” (p. ii).
- Suggestive of isolation and endogamy in small mountain communities.
- Maintains haplogroup purity but reduces genetic variation.
Forensic & Anthropological Significance
- Predictable haplogroup distribution aids ancestry inference but limits forensic discrimination power.
- Serves as a living genetic record of ancient Eurasian migrations into the Hindu Kush region.
Conclusion
The Kalashi stand as a unique genetic enclave in Pakistan, with West Eurasian haplogroups forming nearly their entire maternal heritage. These lineages connect them directly to ancient European and Near Eastern populations, preserving a distinct identity through centuries of isolation.
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: https://pu.edu.pk/, Lahore, Pakistan
Year of Compilation: 2014
Excerpt Page Numbers: ii, 4, 56–59
Author Bio
Muhammad Hassan Siddiqi is a population geneticist specializing in mitochondrial DNA variation and forensic anthropology. Holding a PhD from the University of the Punjab, his work bridges human evolutionary history and practical applications in forensic science.
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