Overview
R1a-Y8811 is a downstream branch under R1a-Y7 and represents one of the core paternal lineages of Himalayan and sub-Himalayan populations. This lineage expanded during the early medieval period and displays strong geographical confinement to mountainous regions, suggesting long-term stability and minimal large-scale admixture. Many of its microbranches correspond to localized clan structures in regions such as Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Nepal and northern Pakistan.
Y8811 also appears in parts of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, reflecting historical migration patterns from hill regions into the plains during periods of political and economic change.
Geographic distribution
Y8811 reaches its highest frequencies across Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Nepal. Moderate presence is observed in Kashmir and northern Pakistan. Limited but real frequencies appear across the northern Indo-Gangetic plain.
Ancient DNA
- Himalayan archaeological burials show clear connectivity with early Y8811 diversification.
- Medieval highland settlements exhibit strong Y8811 signatures in paternal lines.
- Proto-historic mountain communities in Uttarakhand reveal upstream Y7 structure ancestral to Y8811.
Phylogeny & subclades
Y8811 is composed of multiple high-altitude microclusters and several localized regional branches.
- Himalayan highland clusters
- Northern Pakistan–Kashmir microbranches
Notes & context
Y8811 is essential for understanding the genetic history of Himalayan mountain populations.
References & external links