A comprehensive genomic survey published in PNAS has mapped the genetic profiles of 150 individuals from the 'Second Urbanization' period (600 BCE – 200 BCE) across the Gangetic Plain. The study reveals a significant increase in genetic diversity during this era, correlating with the rise of major trade hubs like Pataliputra and Kaushambi.
The research identifies specific ancestry components from the Northwest and the Deccan plateau converging in these urban centers, mirroring the textual accounts of vast merchant guilds and monastic migrations. Furthermore, the study notes the earliest evidence of genetic markers associated with urban living, including increased resistance to zoonotic diseases spread by domesticated animals in high-density environments.