Studies on serum groups in the Kumaon region,India

Summary A total of 469 individuals belonging to 4 endogamous groups (Brahamins, Rajputs, Doms and Tharus) from the Kumaon region (North India) were tested for Hp, Gc, Gm and Inv systems.The frequency of the Hp¹ allele is low (0.130–0.220) in all 4 groups as in the case of other Indian populations. The absence of the Gm⁵ allele and high frequency of Inv(1) (49.34%) confirm the Mongoloid affiliations of the Tharus. Brahamins, Rajputs and Doms possess 4 alleles (Gm¹, Gm^1,2, Gm^1,5 and Gm⁵) at the Gm locus and the frequency of Gm^1,2 allele is very low (0.067–0.106) for these groups. The frequency of Inv(1) for Brahamins (19.61%) and Doms (22.78%) lies within the range of variation of European populations. Rajputs, however, show a higher Inv(1) frequency (38.76%).Genetic distances calculated with the help of Hp, Gc and Gm systems demonstrate similarity between Brahamins, Rajputs and Doms and a deviant position for the Tharus.Supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft.