Indian Haplogroups Guide
Explore the paternal (Y-DNA) and maternal (mtDNA) lineages found in South Asia. Understand what your haplogroup means for your ancestry.
What Are Haplogroups?
Haplogroups are genetic population groups that share a common ancestor. They are determined by specific mutations (SNPs) in your DNA that have been passed down through thousands of generations. By analyzing these markers, scientists can trace human migration patterns and understand the deep ancestral origins of different populations.
There are two main types of haplogroups: Y-DNA haplogroups trace your direct paternal line (father's father's father...), while mtDNA haplogroups trace your direct maternal line (mother's mother's mother...). Both provide unique insights into your ancestry that autosomal DNA tests cannot reveal.
Why Indian Haplogroups Are Unique
South Asia has one of the most complex genetic landscapes in the world. The Indian subcontinent has been a crossroads of human migration for over 50,000 years, resulting in a rich tapestry of genetic lineages. From the earliest Out-of-Africa migrants who brought haplogroups M and H, to the Bronze Age migrations that introduced R1a, India's genetic heritage tells the story of multiple population movements and intermixing.
Understanding your haplogroup can reveal whether your ancestors were among the first humans to settle in South Asia, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, or descended from later migrations. It can also help explain genetic connections to populations in Central Asia, the Middle East, or Southeast Asia.
Major Ancestral Components in India
Related to populations in Central Asia and Europe. Associated with R1a and J2 Y-DNA haplogroups. Higher in North India.
Indigenous South Asian ancestry. Associated with H-M69 and L-M20 Y-DNA haplogroups. Higher in South India.
The oldest layer of Indian ancestry, present in all Indians. Descendants of the first humans to reach South Asia ~50,000 years ago.
Y-DNA Haplogroups (Paternal Line)
Y-DNA is passed from father to son, tracing your direct paternal ancestry. View all Y-DNA haplogroups →
The most common paternal lineage in North India, associated with Indo-Aryan migrations from the Steppe ~4,000 years ago.
An ancient South Asian lineage, possibly linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. High frequency in Balochistan and Gujarat.
Indigenous South Asian lineage, one of the oldest in the subcontinent. Found across all regions and social groups.
Associated with Neolithic farmers from the Fertile Crescent. Found in merchant and trading communities.
mtDNA Haplogroups (Maternal Line)
mtDNA is passed from mother to all children, tracing your direct maternal ancestry. View all mtDNA haplogroups →
The dominant maternal lineage in South Asia, arriving with the first Out-of-Africa migration ~60,000 years ago.
Ancient maternal lineage with subclades U2 and U7 common in India. Traces back to early human migrations.
Widespread maternal lineage found across Eurasia. Subclade R5 is particularly common in South India.
Less common in South Asia but found in specific populations, especially in the northwest regions.
Discover Your Haplogroup
A Helixline DNA test reveals your Y-DNA and mtDNA haplogroups with deep subclade resolution. Trace your paternal and maternal lineages back thousands of years and understand your place in human history.
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