South Asians and European Features: Debunking the Myths of Migrations and Traits

Common misperceptions about the prevalence of European features among South Asians often stem from a lack of understanding of the region's complex history of migrations and genetic ancestry. This article delves into the fact that few South Asians exhibit European features, with a closer genetic and cultural connection to Southeast Asia, East Asia, and West Asia.

South Asian Genetic Background

Most South Asians have unique features that align more with East Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia, rather than Europe. West Asians, Persians, Turks, Mughals, Dravidians, and Africans have migrated to the region throughout history, influencing cultural and genetic diversity. However, the predominant features of the South Asian populations are more closely related to those of East and Southeast Asians, rather than Europeans.

Differences in Physical Traits

When comparing South Asians (SA) and West Asians (WA) to Europeans (EU), several physical traits stand out:

South Asians (SA) and West Asians (WA)

Bigger Eyes: Both South Asians and West Asians often have larger, more prominent eyes. Straighter Noses: Similar to West Asians, South Asians often have straighter noses and wheatish or olive skin. Bigger Ears and Thicker Facial Hair: South Asians and West Asians often have larger ears and thicker facial hair compared to Europeans.

Europeans (EU)

Reddish-Tanned Skin: Europeans tend to have reddish or reddish-tanned skin.

These physical differences are often noticeable, especially to those with good eyesight.

Skulls and Other Features

South Asians typically have larger noses, a trait that differs significantly from the average Caucasian. Additionally, Malay and other South Asian populations share similar skull shapes, further emphasizing their genetic affinity to their Southeast and East Asian neighbors rather than Europeans.

Genetic Migrations and Heritage

Historical migrations have played a crucial role in shaping the genetic landscape of the South Asian region:

Mediterranean Influences

West Asians, including Middle Easterners and North Africans, share genetic and cultural links with Southern Europeans due to overlapping haplogroups and migrations. The Mediterranean region, including Greece and the Arab world, shares many ancestral ties with South Asians.

European Origins

Europeans predominantly originated from West Asia. The Neolithic Middle Eastern Farmers, who migrated into Europe about 8,000 years ago, contributed significantly to the genetic makeup of Europeans. Additionally, Indo-European migrations included a mix of West Asian and Eastern hunter-gatherers, moving into Europe, Iran, Central Asia, and South Asia.

Middle Eastern Farmers and Indo-Europeans

The migrations of Middle Eastern Farmers and Indo-Europeans have left a lasting genetic imprint on both Europe and South Asia, with Central Asians, some South Asians, and Europeans resembling their West Asian ancestors.

West Asian Origins of South Asians

South Asian populations, particularly Pakistani groups like the Pashtun, have light skin and blue eyes that originated in West Asia 28,000 to 42,000 years ago. Similar traits have been found in Yazidi girls in Iraq, Nuristani people, and even some European populations like the Kalash in Pakistan.

Conclusion

South Asians, despite the influence of various migrations, possess unique features that align more closely with their genetic and cultural roots in East Asia, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Understanding these historical and genetic factors helps dispel common misconceptions about the prevalence of European features among South Asians.