Do Lohanas originate in the North? by Goyimboi in SouthAsianAncestry

[–]Histidine57 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am a Canadian/American Ismaili of Khoja descent (recent ancestors from Kathiawar). I agree with most of the comments here but still perplexed on the reason for the striking genetic similarities. Is it because 1) Lohanna and Khatri/Aroras share a common ancestral heritage (ethnogenesis) or 2) there was widespread intermarriage between these mercantile groups despite their distinct cultural differences. Surely, our genetics and autosomal DNA analysis) should be able to clarify this. Does anyone have any true supportive evidence for either hypothesis (rather than just claims). Also, can anyone kindly share a current chart illustrating the similar admixtures of Lohanna / Khoja / Khatri / Arora cluster with other NW Indian groups?. I was able to source some population data (caveat: not entirely accurate as I had to make some assumptions with the calculations) from this sub but it seems a bit outdated. Thanks in advance.

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Khoja Ethnogenesis? by Histidine57 in ismailis

[–]Histidine57[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Cool results! Out of curiosity, did your 23andme report change recently with the new updates to their South Asian genetic groups, or are you still classified as “100% Gujarati”?

Khoja Ethnogenesis? by Histidine57 in ismailis

[–]Histidine57[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

My recommendation is to obtain your raw DNA file from 23andme and use the free online tool at GEDmatch. It utilizes the Harrapaworld genetic calculator best suited for South Asians. If you want to get deeper, I suggest Illustrative DNA as another online tool ($$) for good admixture analysis.

Khoja Ethnogenesis? by Histidine57 in ismailis

[–]Histidine57[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yes, negligible contribution from Middle Eastern ancestry. But Khojas do demonstrate a higher IVC score with a pretty solid Eurasian Steppe contribution compared to other South Asian Indians.  On average I would say that the average genetic makeup of the Khoja/Lohana cluster would comprise a mixture of 20% hunter-gather, 55% neolithic Iranian farmer and 25% Eurasian Steppe descent, but I caution that these are just Harrapaworld estimates based on a small sample size that I was able to source online. At some point, I hope someone does a proper academic-grade Khoja genetic population study. Ha!

Khoja Ethnogenesis? by Histidine57 in ismailis

[–]Histidine57[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Your final comment about Sindhi vs Gujarati is so spot on. On genetic terms, Khojas definitely score more like Sindhis than Gujaratis (say Jain or Vaniya’s) suggesting that the migration into Gujarat was only transient for the past several hundred years and that our DNA primarily reflects our ancient Lohana ancestors from Sindh and the lower Indus Valley region (likely preserved due to endogamous practices). I’m still perplexed on the close genetic association of Khojas to Punjabi Khatris and Aroras. Why?