Kohima: Ancient DNA from Nagaland cave sites is upending theories that the region blocked human migration. Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir of Nagaland University led the team that found human remains in the Kiphire district. The Photangkhun Longkhap rock shelter dates to between 1800 BC and 2400 BC. Genetic markers from these remains show a mix of Tibetan and Neolithic Asian ancestry. The team identified the mitochondrial DNA haplogroup C7A1D, which links to modern Tibeto-Burman speakers.
Jamir discussed the findings at a July 31 lecture held at North East Christian University in Dimapur. The INTACH Nagaland Chapter hosted the event. "So, we wanted to test this hypothesis: whether we have any archaeological evidence to test this hypothesis derived from human genetics," Jamir said. He plans to publish a working paper on this research in journals like Science or Nature.
The excavation team documented significant agricultural and technological shifts in the Naga Hills. At the Laradvu site in Meluri, researchers found evidence of Bos frontalis domestication from the 6th to 7th century AD. Iron-smelting evidence from Wui village in Noklak dates back to the 8th to 9th century BC. Other sites like Chungliyimti, first documented by JP Mills in 1923, show historical connections for the Ao, Sangtam, Chang, and Konyak tribes.
Expansion threatens these history-rich locations. Settlements at the 3rd to 4th century BC New Phor site are encroaching on unexcavated areas. Graffiti and stalactite removal plague the Ranya Khen and Tsie Khen caves in Kiphire. Researchers are using total stations and British-era maps to record what they can. Jamir is pushing for community-led preservation to stop the destruction. The State Museum in Kohima now displays these artifacts for public view.
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