Anthropological Comparison Of Nasal And Facial Indices Between Meena And Yadav Communities In Alwar Region

Abstract

Background: Human facial and nasal morphologies exhibit considerable variation across different populations, influenced by genetic, environmental, and socio-cultural factors. The study aimed to compare the nasal index and facial index among the Meena and Yadav communities residing in Alwar district, Rajasthan, to understand ethnic and gender-based differences in facial morphology.

Methods: A total of 110 participants, comprising 55 individuals from each community (Meena and Yadav), were selected using purposive sampling. The nasal index and facial index were calculated based on anthropometric measurements taken with a digital vernier caliper and spreading caliper. Descriptive and comparative statistical methods, including Chi-square tests and independent sample t-tests, were used to analyze the data.

Results: The majority of participants from both the Meena and Yadav communities were classified as Platyrrhine (nasal index ≥ 85), with 85.45% of Meena and 90.90% of Yadav participants falling into this category. Regarding the facial index, a significant proportion of the Meena community (43.64%) was classified as Hyper-leptoprosopic (facial index ≥ 93), whereas the Yadav community showed a higher proportion of Hyper-leptoprosopic individuals (52.73%).

Conclusions: The study demonstrates ethnic and gender-based differences in the nasal and facial indices between the Meena and Yadav communities, with a predominance of Platyrrhine nasal and Hyper-leptoprosopic facial types. These findings provide insight into the morphological characteristics of these communities and contribute to the broader understanding of ethnic variations in human facial structures.