A Comparison of Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Two Ethnic Indian Populations of North Bengal, India*
Jaydip Sen M.Sc., Ph.D.,
Tanuj Kanchan M.B.B.S., D.F.M., M.D.,
Nitish Mondal M.Sc.,
Jaydip Sen M.Sc., Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology, University of North Bengal, PO NBU, Raja Rammohunpur, Darjeeling 734013, West Bengal, India.
Search for more papers by this authorTanuj Kanchan M.B.B.S., D.F.M., M.D.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore 575001, (Affiliated to Manipal University), Karnataka, India.
Search for more papers by this authorNitish Mondal M.Sc.
Department of Anthropology, University of North Bengal, PO NBU, Raja Rammohunpur, Darjeeling 734013, West Bengal, India.
Search for more papers by this authorJaydip Sen M.Sc., Ph.D.,
Tanuj Kanchan M.B.B.S., D.F.M., M.D.,
Nitish Mondal M.Sc.,
Jaydip Sen M.Sc., Ph.D.
Department of Anthropology, University of North Bengal, PO NBU, Raja Rammohunpur, Darjeeling 734013, West Bengal, India.
Search for more papers by this authorTanuj Kanchan M.B.B.S., D.F.M., M.D.
Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore 575001, (Affiliated to Manipal University), Karnataka, India.
Search for more papers by this authorNitish Mondal M.Sc.
Department of Anthropology, University of North Bengal, PO NBU, Raja Rammohunpur, Darjeeling 734013, West Bengal, India.
Search for more papers by this authorAdditional information and reprint requests:Jaydip Sen, M.Sc., Ph.D.Department of AnthropologyUniversity of North BengalPO NBU, Raja RammohunpurDarjeeling 734013West BengalIndiaE-mail: [email protected]
†
Funded by the University Grants Commission, Government of India, (UGC-Ref. No. 129/NET-June, 2007).
Abstract
Abstract: Dermatoglyphic print comparisons can be utilized to establish personal identification in forensic cases. The northern part of the state of West Bengal, India, is the home to many ethnic populations. Two such populations are the Rajbanshi and the Mech. Palm prints were collected from 192 adult Rajbanshi (105 men and 87 women) and 100 adult Mech (50 men and 50 women) individuals for print comparison using the standard ink and roll print method. The dermatoglyphic variables studied were mainline formulae, termination of mainline, positional variation of axial triradii, and true pattern of hypothenar and thenar configuration area. There were differences between the Rajbanshi and Mech individuals with respect to these dermatoglyphic variables. The uses of these variables appear to be limited only to ethnic identification, not personal identification. The present investigation further highlights the racial affinity, sex, and bilateral differences among Rajbanshi individuals using dermatoglyphic palmar variables.
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