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Haplogroup R-M124

R2a-M124

Macro-haplogroup
R
Parent clade
R2
Formed (estimate)
c. 15,000 - 20,000 years before present (estimate)
TMRCA (estimate)
c. 8,000 - 12,000 years ago (estimate)

Overview

R-M124 (R2a) is the main surviving branch of haplogroup R2 and is responsible for most of the R2 related diversity in modern populations. It likely formed in a Pleistocene or early Holocene population in or near South Asia and subsequently diversified within the subcontinent and neighboring regions. The lineage became integrated into multiple cultural and linguistic contexts in South Asia, from Dravidian speaking groups to Indo Aryan and other communities.

Geographic distribution

R-M124 is found at varying frequencies across the Indian subcontinent, including in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. It also appears in Iran, the Caucasus and Central Asia at lower levels, reflecting historical connections and gene flow. Diaspora communities originating from South Asia have carried M124 lineages to many parts of the world.

Ancient DNA

  • Although direct ancient DNA assignments to M124 are sparse, the geographic and phylogenetic patterns strongly suggest a deep history within South Asia.
  • The lineage likely interacted with multiple waves of ancestry in South Asia, including early farmer related groups from the Iranian plateau, local foragers and later steppe influenced populations.

Phylogeny & subclades

R-M124 sits under R2 as its dominant subclade and further divides into several internal clusters that show regional enrichment in different parts of South Asia and neighboring regions. Continued sequencing is likely to uncover more fine scale structure.

  • South Indian and Sri Lankan enriched subclades
  • Northwestern South Asian branches with extensions into Iran
  • Additional regional clusters in Pakistan and northern India

Notes & context

R-M124 highlights the complexity of South Asian paternal history, which involves both very old lineages with local continuity and younger arrivals from the steppe and other regions.