Comparative Study of Nasal and Facial Indices Among Rajput and Brahmin Communities in Alwar District, Rajasthan

Abstract

Background:Nasal and facial indices are important anthropometric markers used to understand human diversity. These indices help in classifying individuals based on the proportions of their nose and face. The present study aims to compare the nasal and facial indices among the Rajput and Brahmin communities in Alwar district, Rajasthan, to explore potential morphological differences between these communities.

Objectives:To compare the nasal and facial indices between the Rajput and Brahmin communities in Alwar district, Rajasthan.

Methods:A descriptive analytical study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy, ESIC Medical College and Hospital, Alwar, Rajasthan. A total of 110 subjects, including 55 Rajput and 55 Brahmin individuals, were selected based on purposive sampling. Inclusion criteria included adults between 18 to 50 years of age with symmetrical facial features. Nasal and facial indices were measured using digital vernier calipers and spreading calipers. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 26, with significance determined at p < 0.05.

Results:The study found that both communities predominantly had platyrrhine noses (nasal index ≥85). In the Rajput community, 97.29% of males and 8.33% of females had platyrrhine noses. Similarly, in the Brahmin community, 86.66% of males and 96.00% of females exhibited platyrrhine characteristics. Regarding facial index, hyper-leptoprosopic faces (facial index ≥93) were most common, with 51.35% of Rajput males and 40.00% of Brahmin males falling into this category. Rajput females exhibited a higher percentage of hyper-leptoprosopic traits compared to Brahmin females.

Conclusion:Both the Rajput and Brahmin communities in Alwar showed a prevalence of platyrrhine nasal characteristics and hyper-leptoprosopic facial traits. The Rajput community had a slightly higher prevalence of broader facial and nasal structures, which may be linked to environmental, genetic, and social factors. Further research is needed to explore the environmental and socio-cultural influences on these morphological features.