The centuries-old mystery of the Shroud of Turin has taken an unexpected turn, with a new genetic study pointing toward a possible connection with India. Long venerated by believers as the burial cloth of Jesus Christ following his crucifixion, the relic has now revealed traces of DNA linked to the Indian subcontinent, adding another surprising layer to its already contested history.
According to a recent, yet-to-be-peer-reviewed study published on bioRxiv, researchers conducted a detailed genomic analysis of material collected from the shroud in 1978. The findings uncovered a complex mix of plant, animal, and human DNA spanning centuries. Most strikingly, a significant portion, nearly 40%, was associated with Indian genetic lineages, raising the possibility that the cloth either came into contact with individuals from the region or may even have originated there.
The study, led by Italian researcher Giulio Barcaccia, suggests multiple scenarios, from ancient trade routes linking the Roman world to the Indus Valley, to the movement of textiles across continents. While far from conclusive, the discovery adds a new dimension to the debate over the shroud’s origins, one that stretches far beyond Europe and into South Asia.
“The DNA traces found on the Shroud of Turin suggest the potentially extensive exposure of the cloth in the Mediterranean region and the possibility that the yarn was produced in India,” according to the study.
This is “potentially linked to historical interactions associated with importing linen or yarn from regions near the Indus Valley, referred to as “Hindoyin” according to rabbinic text, ” the authors wrote, as 38.7% of DNA “contamination” in it came from people with India-related maternal lineage.
“Our findings highlight its (the shroud’s) preservation conditions and environmental interactions, offering valuable perspectives into the identified genetic variants, which originated from multiple biological sources,” wrote the team, which included Gianni Barcaccia at the University of Padova, in the study.
What is the Shroud of Turin?
First documented in France in 1354, the legendary 14.44-by-3.61-foot linen remains one of the most iconic and controversial Christian artifacts, the New Scientist reported. A 1988 analysis of the shroud, which has been housed at the Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist in Turin, Italy, for half a millennium, revealed that it was made between 1260 and 1390, canceling out the possibility that the so-called visage on the cloth belonged to Jesus. However, this has been disputed by Christian scholars.
The Vatican has called the cloth a powerful symbol of Christ’s suffering while making no claim to its authenticity. Many experts stand by carbon-dating of scraps of the cloth that put it in the 13th or 14th century, but many faithful, some accomplished scientists among them, say the results might have been skewed by contamination, calling for larger samples to be analysed. Many insist that the cloth contains pollen from Jerusalem and is woven in a pattern that was unique to the first century.
The recent study once again found the shroud to be tainted with a variety of human DNA, including the 1978 scientists, “thereby challenging the possibility of identifying the original DNA of the shroud,” researchers wrote. The presence of skin bacteria on the shroud also hints at the intense handling over the years.
Other genetic evidence included traces of domestic cats and dogs, farm animals like chickens and cattle, as well as deer, rabbits, fish, bugs, and other wildlife.
“Overall, our prior and present findings provide valuable insights into the geographic origins of individuals who interacted with the shroud throughout its historical journey across various regions, populations, and eras,” the scientists wrote.
Stay updated with the latest and breaking news on Times Now. Get latest India News, World News, Business News, Sports News, Viral News and Education News also explore Entertainment News and Lifestyle Tips.
Boost Your Prep with Free Mocks & Daily Tests