Understanding the Aryan Debate:Population Genetic Concepts and Frameworks

A long-standing debate on whether ‘Aryans’ (central Asians) had entered India has recently gained momentum. The debate is polarized. In the recent set of articles, some authors have strongly criticized inferences drawn using genomic data and population genetic methods. Some criticisms are flawed. These criticisms stem from lack of clear understanding of population genetic concepts and frameworks. Such inappropriate criticisms have led to unnecessary confusion and further polarization among readers. This article attempts to place the ongoing ‘Aryan debate’ in the perspective of population genetic frameworks.