So, whatever it is that can be said about India’s ethnic composition, and there is surely a great deal to be said, it is for sure that we can say one main thing – three main groups meet in this region.
And this I not based upon much research, just following some of the details of life here and doing some light reading on the subject, mostly on the web.
First, from the North and Northwest are Persians, Tajiks, Afghans and various others. These generally are cousins of Europeans and they look quite a bit like – well, like I and the family do. Some differences, but there is a connection.
^ An Aryan Indian
This groups is actually called Aryan, which conjures up all sorts of stuff in the American psyche. Put all of that aside. That is the name of this group.
Then, from the South of India, there are Dravidians. The differentiating characteristics of Dravidians are that they are darker in color than most other Indians. Off of the coast of India are a group of islands called the Andamans. On the Andamans are people who are virtually indistinguishable from Africans. Then there is New Guinea which has a unique ethnic make up all of its own. I sense there is some deep ancestral connection between these groups and the Dravidians of south India.
^ Natives of Andaman Islands
^ Tamil girl
Then there are about ten states in the North East of India where the people are connected to Tibet, Malaysia, and China. I am not sure if that group has a name. Most of their languages are linked to Tibetan, this I have learned.
^ A woman from Tripura
These three groups live in areas where they are largely distinct and separate. But, and here is the really cool part, there is an intersection of these three in every possible combination and location throughout India. Even with these three high-level categories, there are literally hundreds of unique ethnicities in India, perhaps even thousands. And there are fair people in Kerala (South) and black people in Kashmir (north). Which is to say - every rule you try to apply to Indian ethnicity, there is always a pronounced exception.
Human variety in India is absolutely incredible.
You go back far enough, we're all one, anyway. Right?
