Biology of Saryupari Brahmins of Chhattisgarh, central India

In July-November, 1986, Saryupari Brahmins of Chhattisgarh (Central India) have been investigated for the distribution of ABO blood groups, Rh factor, ABH secretion, PTC taste sensitivity and seven morphological traits. The important findings in brief are as follows: 1. The frequency of O blood group is slightly dominant (38.91%) and gene frequency exhibit r > q > p pattern. Statistical analysis (D/sigma = 0.5447) show that the population is in genetic equilibrium. 2. Estimation of the expected rate of erythroblastosis foetalis occurred in this population is calculated to be 8-16 cases in every 10,000 pregnancies. 3. High incidence (53.82%) of non-secretors of ABH substances in saliva suggest that this group may belong to Caucasoid stock. 4. The ability to taste the chemical PTC has a high frequency (61.81%) in this group. 5. R/L type of handclasping (58.15%), leg folding (65.38%) and L/R type of arm folding (58.93%) is dominant. L-type of handedness (5.48%) is moderately high. 6. Tongue rollers (93.28%) and folders (53.77%) are more among them. 7. Free type of ear lobe (68.68%) is the common feature in this population. 8. The above observations were compared in details with other Brahmin populations reported from India with special reference to the descendant groups residing in Madhya Pradesh (Central India). Furthermore, the results obtained on growth studies, and dermatoglyphic studies (palm and sole) from our published literature were also included so as to have some idea on the genetical, behavioural, dermatoglyphic and growth norms of this group.