Overview
R1a-M780 is one of the major South and Central Asian branches of R1a-Z93 and forms a significant portion of paternal ancestry in Pakistan, northern India, Nepal and the Himalayan regions. M780 is closely tied to Indo-Iranian and early Indo-Aryan expansions but underwent much of its diversification inside South Asia itself, reflecting a long period of regional demographic growth.
M780 lineages appear prominently among populations inhabiting the Indus basin, the Punjab region, the Gangetic plains and the Himalayan foothills. It is associated with historic Indo-Aryan migrations, but many of its subclusters formed during the Iron Age and classical periods within the Indian subcontinent. These expansions correspond to the rise of regional kingdoms, linguistic diversification and the movement of tribal and caste groups across the subcontinent.
In the Himalayas, M780 forms a deep paternal layer among populations of Nepal, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir and northern Pakistan. Its wide geographic spread reflects both ancient demographic expansions and more recent historical movements.
Geographic distribution
R1a-M780 reaches high frequencies in Pakistan, northern India and Nepal. It is common among Punjabi, Kashmiri, Pashtun, Sindhi and various Himalayan groups. Moderate levels appear in Bangladesh and central India. Lower but noticeable frequencies appear in Central Asia due to ancient ties.
Ancient DNA
- Swat Valley individuals from the Iron Age show early M780-related ancestry.
- Late Bronze Age steppe populations exhibit upstream Z94 variants ancestral to M780.
- Early historic individuals from the Himalayan arc contain M780 subclades.
- Archaeological sites linked to Indo-Aryan expansions in Pakistan and northwest India reflect M780 ancestry.
- Medieval South Asian burials include downstream M780 patterns.
Phylogeny & subclades
M780 contains several important branches including F2935, Y8 and dozens of region-specific South Asian clusters. These reveal intense diversification inside the subcontinent.
- R1a-F2935
- R1a-Y8
- Numerous Indo-Himalayan microclusters
Notes & context
R1a-M780 is a major paternal lineage for understanding the formation of Indo-Aryan populations, Himalayan demography and South Asian regional history.
References & external links