In an intriguing discovery, a recent study sheds light on the profound genetic affinities shared between the Vedic tribal populace of Sri Lanka and their counterparts in India. Spearheaded by the Hyderabad-based Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), in collaboration with various esteemed institutions, this research unveils a compelling narrative of genetic intertwining between the enigmatic Sri Lankan Veddas and select tribal factions of South India. Notably, the Veddas of Sri Lanka have long stood as one of the lesser-explored indigenous populations, cloaked in mystery.
Historically, the language and cultural idiosyncrasies of Sri Lanka’s diminutive forest-dwelling Vedic community were deemed distinctive. Yet, recent revelations expose intriguing parallels between their societal norms and those observed among Indian tribal communities. Despite this apparent correlation, the absence of concrete genetic evidence left historians and scientists pondering their origins.
The latest inquiry, spearheaded by a consortium of approximately ten researchers from diverse institutions, including CCMB in Hyderabad, delves deep into the roots of the Vedic populace. Dr. Thangaraj, the esteemed Chief Scientist of CCMB, shares insights from their DNA analysis endeavors, stating, “Our collection of genetic samples from Sri Lanka’s Vedic population underwent meticulous comparison with our extensive DNA databank. Surprisingly, unmistakable resemblances emerged with South India’s tribal groups such as Kallar and Paliar. This suggests a plausible scenario wherein certain tribal lineages, following their migration from Africa millennia ago, also found their way to the shores of Sri Lanka.”
Dr. Vinaykumar Nandikuri, the Director of CCMB, elaborates further on this revelatory genetic linkage, noting, “Our genetic affinities not only extend to Sri Lanka but also resonate with various South Asian nations. This invaluable revelation promises to deepen our comprehension of genetic diversities prevalent across South Asia.”
The study’s focal point lay in the meticulous analysis of high-resolution autosomal and mitochondrial genomes, with its findings recently disseminated in the esteemed journal “Mitochondrion,” as disclosed by CCMB.
Unveiling a historical tapestry of genetic connectivity predating linguistic divergence, researchers posit a shared genetic heritage between Sri Lankan Vedic populations and their Indian ethnic counterparts. The narrative hints at a plausible scenario involving genetic drift within the Vedic populace, offering an explanation as to why contemporary cultural and linguistic transformations failed to significantly impact the Vedda communities.
In essence, this study not only bridges historical gaps but also paints a vivid picture of the intricate genetic tapestry interwoven between Sri Lanka’s enigmatic Veddas and the diverse ethnic mosaic of South India.