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- DNA analysis of ancient human bones found near Keezadi, at the Kondagai burial site in Sivaganga district, shows strong genetic matches with present-day South Asian populations, especially South Indians and Sri Lankan Tamils.
- Researchers at Madurai Kamaraj University's ancient genetics lab extracted about one million DNA molecules from teeth and ear bones, comparing them against the '1000 Genomes' database.
- Professor Kumaragesan says this indicates 'genetic continuity,' meaning people who lived at Keezadi and Kondagai around 2,500 years ago are direct ancestors of many people today.
- The study also confirmed the ancient residents' diet, identifying molecules of rice, millet, milk, animal meat, and castor oil in burial pottery.
What to watch next
- Findings from further analysis of remaining unidentified molecules in the burial pots, as research is ongoing
- Results from the 11th phase of excavations at Keezadi that began in March
- Insights into ancient migration routes and connections with other major archaeological sites worldwide, a stated goal of the lab
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Named India · Kothagai · South India · Sri Lanka Tamils · Central Archaeological Department · Keezadi · Kumaresan · Madurai Kamaraj University · State Archaeological Department
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