Lecture: Genetic Legacy of the Maldivian Archipelago

Introduction

The Maldivian islands lie in the Indian Ocean.
These islands are a genetic mosaic with ties to India, Arabia, and unique genetic sequences.
Despite their isolation, the Maldivians have a genetic history that speaks to a rich tapestry of human movement and interaction.

Maternal Ancestry:
- Predominantly South Asian maternal DNA (mitochondrial haplogroups), with 99% tracing back to South Asia.
- Maternal lines remain consistent, rooted, and uninterrupted.
- New, unique mitochondrial sequences have emerged, indicating isolation and genetic drift.
Paternal Ancestry:
- Distinct paternal DNA with markers from Arabia, Persia, and Central Asia (haplogroups like J2, L1, A1A).
- 25% of paternal lineages are foreign, highlighting the transient nature of male genetic input.

Matriarchal Society:
- Women stayed on the islands, while men were transient.
- Matrilocal residence patterns: men joined the wife's family.
- The cultural structure led to a stable maternal genetic line, while paternal lines were more diverse.
Founder Effect:
- In some atolls, genetic diversity is low, with few male founders dominating the Y chromosome lineage.
- Isolation amplified rare genetic variants.

Thalassemia:
- High prevalence of thalassemia mutations linked to ancient migrations (Middle East, North Africa, Iberian Peninsula).
- The disorder's prevalence is a genetic relic of historical contact and trade routes.

Weak genetic links to East Africa and Southeast Asia.
Genetic traces suggest minimal influence from Southeast Asia, despite geographical proximity.
Maternal lineages show faint connections to remote regions.

Maldivian DNA is a testament to isolation, contact, and cultural practices.
The islands' genetic legacy is more than a mosaic; it is a living archive of unique human history.
Understanding Maldivian genetics provides insights into migration, isolation, and cultural continuation.