Briefly describe S.S. Sarkar’s classification of Indian population.

1. Introduction to S.S. Sarkar's Classification

S.S. Sarkar, an eminent Indian anthropologist, proposed a classification system for the Indian population based on physical and morphological characteristics. Sarkar's classification aimed to categorize the diverse populations of India into distinct racial groups, taking into account historical migrations, genetic admixture, and regional variations. His work provided valuable insights into the biological diversity of India and its implications for understanding human evolution and population dynamics.

2. Proto-Australoid Group

Sarkar identified the Proto-Australoid group as one of the major racial types in India. This group is characterized by dark skin, wavy to curly hair, broad noses, and dolichocephalic (long-headed) skulls. The Proto-Australoids are believed to be descendants of the earliest inhabitants of the Indian subcontinent, with affinities to indigenous populations of South Asia. They are found predominantly in southern India, particularly in regions such as the Deccan plateau and the Western Ghats.

3. Indo-Mediterranean Group

The Indo-Mediterranean group represents another major racial type identified by Sarkar. This group is characterized by medium to fair skin, straight to wavy hair, narrow noses, and mesocephalic (medium-headed) skulls. The Indo-Mediterraneans are believed to have migrated to the Indian subcontinent from regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea, such as the Middle East and Central Asia. They are found in northern and western India, as well as parts of Pakistan and Afghanistan.

4. Western Brachycephals

Sarkar classified the Western Brachycephals as a distinct racial group within the Indian population. This group is characterized by short, broad skulls (brachycephalic), medium to fair skin, and wavy to curly hair. The Western Brachycephals are believed to have originated from Central Asia and migrated to western India through the northwestern passes. They are found in regions such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, and parts of Maharashtra.

5. Eastern Brachycephals

In addition to the Western Brachycephals, Sarkar identified the Eastern Brachycephals as a separate racial group in India. This group exhibits similar characteristics to the Western Brachycephals, including short, broad skulls and medium to fair skin. However, the Eastern Brachycephals are found in eastern India, particularly in regions such as West Bengal, Bihar, and Odisha. They are believed to have migrated from Southeast Asia and mixed with indigenous populations in eastern India.

6. Conclusion

S.S. Sarkar's classification of the Indian population provided a framework for understanding the biological diversity of India and its historical origins. His work highlighted the complex interplay of migration, admixture, and regional variations in shaping the physical characteristics of different racial groups in India. While Sarkar's classification has been influential in Indian anthropology, it is important to recognize the limitations of racial classifications and the need for more nuanced approaches that account for the multidimensional nature of human diversity.