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Inbreeding in India: Concepts and Consequences

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Abstract

India is one of the very few countries in the world today where consanguineous marriages are still practiced extensively. This custom varies, of course, among the multitude of subgroups within its population, and it can be traced back to ancient cultures and traditions. Social and economic changes, migrations, and newer religions have all had some influence in shaping the present levels of consanguinity. Some of the earlier reasons for preferring such marriages may no longer be valid, but nevertheless they remain popular in various sections of the country.

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© Springer Science+Business Media New York 1984

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Department of BiostatisticsChristian Medical CollegeVelloreIndia

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