International Experts Gather to Explore the Genetic Secrets of Ancient Mustang Civilization

Date: March 4, 2024

Kathmandu, Nepal: In a groundbreaking collaboration between Tribhuvan University Amrit Science Campus,  Institute of Science and Technology (IOST) TU, and  Kathmandu Center for Research and Education Chinese Academy of Sciences-Tribhuvan University (KCRE), a one-day symposium on Mustang Ancient DNA took place on March 4, 2024.

The program was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Binil Aryal, Dean of IOST, who served as the Chief Guest. Ms.Suchitra Thapa, Head of the Department of Microbiology at Amrit Science Campus, delivered the program highlights, shedding light on the significance of ancient DNA research and its potential impact on understanding the lives of the people in Mustang. Prof. Christina Warinner from Harvard University shared her insightful remarks during the event, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research in the field of ancient DNA. Prof. Dr. Binil Aryal also provided valuable perspectives on the subject. Distinguished experts from around the globe participated in the symposium, including Prof Mark Aldenderfer from University of California, Dr. Maxime Borry and Dr. Meagan Michel from the Max Planck Institute of Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany, Dr. Jau Hyeon Lee from Seoul National University, South Korea, and Prof. Nanda Bahadur Singh from Tribhuvan University.

75 participants attended the symposium physically, while an additional 15 joined the event online. The participants represented various institutions, including Tribhuvan University, Manmohan Technical University, Annapurna Neuro Research Center, National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST), Research Center for Applied Science and Technology (RESAST), Policy Research Institute (PRI), and several NGOs and INGOs.Dr. Binod Dawadi, Deputy Director of KCRE, delivered the welcome remarks, introducing KCRE and highlighting the importance of the Himalayas Archaeological Project (HHARP) in upper Mustang. Dr. Dawadi emphasized that the collaborative efforts of archaeologists, bioarchaeologists, geneticists, and specialists from across the globe are essential to unravel the mysteries of ancient Mustang people and their way of life.

The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to further collaborative research and exploration into the rich genetic history of the Mustang civilization.