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Y-DNA Haplogroup Atlas

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Haplogroup H3

H-Z5857

Macro-haplogroup
H
Parent clade
H
Formed (estimate)
c. 20,000–25,000 years before present
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 10,000–14,000 years before present

Overview

H3 represents a secondary radiation of haplogroup H that is primarily concentrated in South Asia. While not as numerous as H1, H3 contains important downstream branches that contribute to the genetic landscape of India, Pakistan and surrounding regions. H3 likely diverged from the ancestral H trunk during the terminal Pleistocene and expanded locally in the early to mid Holocene. Genetically, H3 includes several subclusters that exhibit geographic specificity within the subcontinent. These lineages reflect long term demographic insulation and regional differentiation driven by caste structures, tribal isolation, and historical population boundaries. Compared to H1, H3 has a more localized footprint, but its internal structure provides valuable resolution within South Asian phylogeography.

Geographic distribution

H3 is most commonly found in central and southern India, with moderate presence in Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Certain tribal populations display elevated frequencies, suggesting founder effects or ancient local continuity. Its distribution is more restricted than H1 but shares overlapping zones, particularly in the central Gangetic plains and the Deccan plateau. Small traces of H3 occur in Iran and Afghanistan but at significantly lower levels, likely reflecting ancient eastward connections rather than substantial historical migrations.

Ancient DNA

  • Ancient South Asian samples from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic eras occasionally show signatures compatible with early H3 lineages.
  • H3 is absent from ancient West Eurasian datasets, reinforcing its South Asian centered history.

Phylogeny & subclades

H3 consists of several internal branches often grouped into two major schematic clusters within atlas models. H3a captures lineages centered in central and northern India, while H3b groups Deccan and southern Indian clusters. This simplified structure follows the broad phylogeographic pattern suggested by high coverage sequencing.

  • H3a
  • H3b

Notes & context

H3 is essential for representing the full spectrum of South Asian H diversity. It remains less globally dispersed than H1 but provides key insight into regional demographic history.