Andaman Islands settlement dated to 26,000 years ago via genetic analysis. Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups M31A and M32 are exclusive to Andaman people Genetic evidence suggests Andaman population split from relatives maximum 26,000 years ago at Last Glacial Maximum Sea levels were approximately 130 meters lower during this period

Fascinating genetics! Mitochondrial haplogroups M31 & M32 show deep maternal lineages in Andaman people, with branching patterns suggesting their ancestors diverged from mainland South Asian relatives during the Last Glacial Maximum. 🧬🏝️

Note: M31 and M32 aren't exclusive to Andaman — they have secondary branches in India/Indochina, supporting a mainland origin. The 26k-year split date is a reasonable estimate based on coalescent dating, but precise calibration varies between studies.

Key facts claimed:

- Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups M31 and M32 are found in Andaman people AND have secondary branches in mainland South Asia and Indochina, with coalescent dating suggesting divergence approximately 26,000 years ago

- Sea levels were approximately 130 meters lower during the Last Glacial Maximum

- At approximately 26,000 years ago, the Andaman archipelago would have been part of a larger landmass due to lower sea levels, with the islands positioned closer to the Asian mainland

- Historical accounts document local traditions among Andaman populations referencing changes in sea level over time

Key Facts

  • Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups M31A and M32 are exclusive to Andaman people
  • Genetic evidence suggests Andaman population split from relatives maximum 26,000 years ago at Last Glacial Maximum
  • Sea levels were approximately 130 meters lower during this period
  • At 26,000 years ago, North Sentinel Island was connected to larger Andaman landmass, approximately 33 km from Asian coastline
  • Early British accounts describe Andaman legends about rising sea levels and water reaching old middens at mountain tops

Related site: North Sentinel Island — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.

Source: What do we know about know about North Sentinel island by Stefan Milo