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BHU-AnSI Symposium to Decode India's Ancient Human History via DNA

Banaras Hindu University and the Anthropological Survey of India are hosting a pivotal two-day symposium on paleogenomics and paleoarchaeology in Varanasi. The event will convene leading experts to set research priorities and build collaborative frameworks for a major international project. Discussions will focus on integrating ancient DNA evidence with contemporary population genomics to reconstruct South Asia's human history. The initiative aims to position the region at the forefront of global debates on human evolution and health.

Key Points: BHU-AnSI Symposium on Ancient DNA & Human History

  • Bridge ancient & modern genomic data
  • Foster international collaboration
  • Enhance research infrastructure
  • Connect evolution to modern health
2 min read

BHU-AnSI Symposium: Unlocking India's ancient Human history through DNA and genomics

Landmark symposium in Varanasi aims to unlock India's ancient human history through paleogenomics, fostering global collaboration in DNA research.

"aligns with India's legacy of blending ancient knowledge with cutting-edge science - Prof. BV Sharma"

Varanasi, March 19

Banaras Hindu University, in collaboration with the Anthropological Survey of India, will host a landmark two-day symposium titled BHU-AnSI Paleogenomics and Paleoarchaeology Symposium on March 23-24, 2026, at the Department of Zoology, BHU, Varanasi.

This high-profile academic workshop aims to bring together leading national and international experts in ancient DNA (aDNA) research, palaeoanthropology, gut microbiome studies, and population genomics. The primary goal is to identify research priorities, strengthen institutional infrastructure, and establish collaborative frameworks for a major international project that integrates deep human evolutionary history with modern genomic science.

The symposium will feature focused discussions on key themes, including enhancing research infrastructure for advanced genomic and anthropological studies, ridging critical gaps between ancient and modern genomic datasets, exploring national and international collaboration opportunities and developing strategies to connect ancient DNA evidence with contemporary population genomics.

These efforts are expected to contribute significantly to reconstructing the demographic, migratory, and adaptive history of human and pre-human populations in South Asia and beyond, while also providing insights into modern human health through an evolutionary lens.

Prominent experts participating include Prof. BV Sharma (Director, AnSI), Dr K Thangaraj, Dr VN Prabhakar, Prof. Vasant Shinde, Dr. Madhusudan R. Nandineni, Dr. Naveen Gandhi, and several others from leading institutions such as BSIP, ZSI, ILS, BSI, IITs, and various universities.

The event will include panel discussions on biological anthropology research opportunities, microbial genomics and infectious diseases, technical challenges in aDNA and paleoanthropology in India, population genomics, and archaeological perspectives, along with sessions on palaeoclimatology and animal domestication.

Prof. BV Sharma (Director, AnSI) emphasised that the symposium aligns with India's legacy of blending ancient knowledge with cutting-edge science. He expressed hope that it will foster enduring institutional partnerships and lay the foundation for large-scale, impactful research initiatives in India.

This initiative is seen as a pivotal step toward positioning South Asia at the forefront of global debates on human evolution, uniting archaeology, anthropology, and genomics to unlock new dimensions of our shared human past.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a biology student, this is incredibly inspiring. The lineup of speakers is stellar! Dr. K Thangaraj's work on Indian genetics is legendary. Hope this leads to more funding and opportunities for young researchers in this field.
R
Rohit P
Connecting ancient DNA to modern health is the key. Our gut microbiomes and disease susceptibilities have deep evolutionary history. This research could revolutionize personalized medicine in India. Jai Vigyan!
S
Sarah B
This is a world-class initiative. The collaboration between BHU, AnSI, and international experts is exactly what's needed. South Asia's role in human migration is crucial but understudied. This symposium could change that.
V
Vikram M
While the intent is good, I hope the findings are presented responsibly. Ancient DNA can be a sensitive topic. The focus should be on pure science and shared human history, not fueling divisive narratives. The organizers must ensure this.
K
Karthik V
Perfect venue in Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities! Blending our ancient wisdom with genomics is the right approach. Hope they also involve local knowledge systems and not just western scientific frameworks.
M
Michael C
The technical challenges in aDNA research in India's climate are significant. Glad to see a dedicated

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