Overview
R1a-Y6 is a significant downstream branch of R1a-CTS6 and contributes to a large segment of Indo-Aryan paternal ancestry in northern South Asia. It emerged during the early Iron Age, at a time when Indo-Aryan societies were consolidating across the Indus-Ganges cultural sphere. Archaeological correlations indicate that Y6 ancestors were present in communities forming the early agrarian and pastoralist structures typical of northern India and Pakistan. Y6 experienced substantial growth during early historic and classical periods as regional states, tribal groups and caste-based societies formed in the Indo-Gangetic region. It is today distributed widely across northern India and Pakistan, with a strong representation in caste groups historically associated with priestly, warrior and administrative roles. Its demographic pattern reflects multiple founder effects and centuries of continuity within structured social systems. Some downstream branches of Y6 appear strongly in Himalayan foothill populations where they form long-standing paternal layers alongside Y7 and Y8 lineages.