Phylogenetic relationships of Muslim populations of Manipur based on morphogenetic markers

In the present paper phylogenetic relationships of Muslim populations of Manipur and its genetic relations with Meitei and Naga tribe based on the morphogenetic traits have been attempted. Till date, no biological research has been reported regarding their phylogeny. Muslims with different castes shows differences in the distribution of these morpho-genetic traits, showing differences of ancestor’s origin. On the basis of genetic distances, dendrogram was constructed using UPGMA Clustering method. Sheikh, Syed, Pathan and Moghul settled in Manipur approximately the same time on the basis of their origin. Sheikh and Syed form one common cluster while Moghul and Pathan show another common cluster, reflecting its genetic similarity. Meitei population stand closer to Muslim population than to Naga tribe showing close conformity with the literature reported where Muslims were reported to have arrived in Manipur mostly as sepoys of the king and without female counterpart, and were given permission by the then king to get married with the Meitei women. Meiteis and Nagas belong to the Mongoloid racial stock or are at least more or less genetically influenced by it, can also been seen as they show the presence of morpho-genetic trait characters characteristics to Japanese, Chinese and Tibetans.