Ancient migration: Genes link Australia with India
- Mar 26, 2013
- 1 min read
A STUDY of Aboriginal genes has credited Indians for the introduction of dingos, food processing and tool technology to Australia more than 4000 years ago.
The study, published in US journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found genetic links between Aborigines from the Northern Territory and Indians that pre-dated European arrival in Australia – going back between 4000 and 5000 years.
Previously it was believed that there had been no contact between Australia and the rest of the world after the initial southern migration from Africa.
The study’s authors believe that the evidence indicates that Indians had migrated to Australia, but they could not determine the route used.
Professor Mark Stoneking told BBC that it had been believed that Australia had been isolated following its initial colonisation, but this study showed another significant migration.
“Our results show that there were indeed people that made a genetic contribution to Australians from India,” he said.
The report also suggests that Indians brought stone tools, called microliths, to Australia, and tracks the dingo’s arrival in Australia to roughly the same time.
The study also examined genetic links with South-East Asia and Papua New Guinea.
It also used fossils and other archaeological discoveries.
The report’s authors said more research was needed to look at a wider sample of Aboriginal genes.
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