Varanasi, Jan. 2 -- A new genetic study has found strong evidence that the maternal ancestry of people in Gujarat is mostly indigenous and dates back more than 40,000 years. The findings challenge the long-debated Aryan Invasion Theory, at least on the maternal genetic side. The research was carried out by a team of 16 scientists from nine institutions in India and abroad, including Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU), Gandhinagar. The study has been published in the American Journal of Biological Anthropology. Mitochondrial DNA is passed down from mothers to their children and helps trace maternal ancestry. The study found that about 76 per cent of maternal lineages in Gujarat are specific to South Asia. Contributions from West Eurasia account for around 21 per cent, while East Eurasian lineages are less than 1 per cent. Importantly, most West Eurasian lineages entered the region more than 5,000 years ago. Only around 19 per cent of these West Eurasian maternal lineages date to the last 5,000 years, a period often linked to proposed Indo-Aryan migrations. The remaining 81 per cent are much older, suggesting long-term genetic continuity rather than large-scale invasion. Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey of BHU, one of the lead researchers, said the results point to "small and gradual movements of people over tens of thousands of years, not mass invasions". The researchers also found signs of a major population expansion around 40,000 to 45,000 years ago. Lead author Shailesh Desai from BHU said the findings show "continuity rather than replacement" of populations. He noted that even the decline of the Indus Valley Civilisation left little impact on maternal genetic patterns. Researchers said cultural and language changes in ancient India may have happened with limited maternal genetic impact, possibly through male-driven migration or cultural exchange rather than invasion. The authors believe the study adds to growing evidence that India's ancient history is more complex than earlier invasion-based models suggested....