The question then arises: how is this “well-known archaeologist” involved in this study at all? What is concerning is the focus on the phrase “racial purity”. On the other hand, the government rebuttal states that the DNA study will in fact be conducted by the AnSI, and that ‘racial purity’ is not the objective at all. You may even say that this will be an effort to trace the purity of races in India.” Aspects of the news report are confusing and concerning – it reports that the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI), the competent authority to conduct any DNA diversity studies, has declined to participate in this study. We will then have a clear-cut idea of the genetic history. Genetic mutation depends on the intensity of contact among populations and the time that this process takes. “We want to see how mutation and mixing of genes in the Indian population has happened in the last 10,000 years. The principal investigator, who despite having a stellar record as an archaeologist has gotten himself tangled in politically motivated controversies, was quoted in the article as saying

(), about a proposal to study the “racial purity” of Indians. The proposal is not related to establishing genetic history and “trace the purity of races in India” as alluded in article. The Article – Culture Ministry to Study ‘Racial Purity’ of Indians, in Morning Standard on 28th May is misleading, mischievous and contrary to facts.

Racial purity