Overview
R1a-Y7 is one of the largest downstream branches of R1a-CTS6 and forms an essential paternal lineage throughout the Indian subcontinent. It emerged during the early Iron Age and underwent substantial demographic expansion during periods marked by regional state formation, the rise of classical polities and extensive cultural interactions across northern South Asia. Many of its subbranches show strong founder effects tied to caste, tribal and regional lineages.
Y7 appears in northern India, Pakistan and Nepal at substantial frequencies. Its wide distribution reflects both ancient Indo-Aryan expansions and later medieval population movements. Several downstream clades show close association with Himalayan communities, indicating ancient continuity in high-altitude regions.
Geographic distribution
Y7 is common across northern India, Pakistan and Nepal. It is especially frequent among Brahmin, Kshatriya and Rajput groups, as well as among Pashtun and Dardic-speaking populations. Moderate levels appear in Afghanistan and Iran.
Ancient DNA
- Early historic burials in Punjab and Swat show ancestry mapping to Y7.
- Iron Age Himalayan archaeological contexts contain early Y7-like lineages.
- Medieval northern India displays strong diversification of Y7 subclades.
- Himalayan father-to-son lineages demonstrate deep Y7 continuity.
Phylogeny & subclades
Y7 contains multiple clusters including Y7802, Y8811 and many regional microbranches.
- R1a-Y7802
- R1a-Y8811
- Indo-Himalayan regional branches
Notes & context
Y7 is important for understanding the demographic history of Indo-Aryan groups, particularly in the Himalayas and northern Indo-Gangetic plain.
References & external links