Varanasi: Shailesh Desai, a research scholar at BHU’s Gyan Lab, recently wrapped up a five-month stint at Oxford University, UK, where he dug into the history of animal domestication using ancient DNA techniques.Supported by BHU’s IoE scheme, he worked with Prof. Greger Larsson of the School of Archaeology, a top expert in the field, focusing on buffalo domestication in the Indian subcontinent and beyond. His research aimed to uncover the origins and domestication processes of buffalo, including how it ended up in West Asia.He generated DNA data at Oxford and honed skills that’ll help set up animal palaeogenomics in India. Shailesh also contributed to studies on pig domestication and challenged the Aryan invasion model hypothesis through genetic analysis of Gujarati people. His research interests span human evolution, Neolithic demographics, and moreThe visit lasted from Oct 2025 to Feb 2026. According to a BHU spokesperson, Shailesh’s research at Oxford focused on buffalo domestication, tracing their origins and journey from the Indian subcontinent to West Asia. He is trying to crack when and how buffalo reached Iran, Iraq, Italy, and Egypt, given the historical maritime links between these regions and India. The genetic story of buffalo arrival remains a mystery.In addition, he investigated the genetic history of riverine and marsh-dwelling buffalo, including populations in East Asia. During the research trip, he generated DNA data in Professor Larsson’s ancient DNA laboratory. Ancient DNA research involves extracting genetic material from archaeological and historical samples such as bones, hair, and skin, which requires specialised laboratory facilities. The skills he learnt will help establish animal palaeogenomics in India.
