Haplogroup R1a

Haplogroup R1a (M17) is a Y-Chromosome haplogroup, that is spread across Eurasia.

It is common in Europe, Northern Central Asia and India. In Europe the highest frequencies are in Eastern Europe. Today it is found at over 40% frequencies in many Slavic countries, with some notable exceptions (60% Poland). Relatively high frequencies are also found in Northern Europe and is believed to have been spread across Europe by the Vikings, which accounts for the existence of it in among other places the British Isles. It is however fairly common across all of Europe. In India haplogroup R1a is found in both the Hindu castes and tribal populations, and it is most diverse in tribal, rather than caste populations, therefore researchers have concluded that it is not necessarily a signature of Central Asian origin [1].

R1a is genetically closely related to Haplogroup R1b that is dominant in Western Europe.

Origins

The first carriers of the R1a are believed to have been nomadic farmers in the steppes of northern Central Asia about 10,000 years ago. Current theories point to them being the first speakers of the proto-Indo-European languages (the Kurgan culture) and the first ones to domesticate the horse.