Physical Anthropology and Human Genetics - Contemporary Perspectives

Physical Anthropology has progressively travelled from the core studies of human evolution and race studies to applied aspects of human genetics, growth, development and ecology. Professor Vijendra Bhalla's forty years of research and teaching career coincides with the newer developments in physical anthropology and human genetics. Thirty-five batches of anthropology students at Panjab University were initiated into the world of human genetics by Professor Bhalla. His scholarship has left an indelible impression on the minds of these scholars. No wonder his students are spread all over the globe from the eastern most state of Washington in U.S.A. to Papua New Guinea. Professor Bhalla could enthuse his students so much that many of them are providing stewardship to several departments and laboratories of Anthropology and allied disciplines.

His students, colleagues and well-wishers decided to honour him on the occasion of his forty years of excellent and devoted service to the cause of Indian physical anthropology and human genetics. Twenty-six scholars wrote research and review papers in the respective areas of their contemporary interest. This compendium of fourteen outstanding is not only labour of love dedicated to their respected colleagues and teacher but also reflects the current trends in physical anthropology and human genetics.

Post-independence India has witnessed rapid development in higher education. Anthropology has also undergone paradigmatic changes. Emphasis has shifted to development rather than documenting variation. Physical anthropology and human genetics has progressively travelled from the core studies of human evolution and race studies to applied aspects of human genetics, growth, development and ecology. Physical anthropologists are increasingly collaborating with palaeontologists, pediatricians, forensic scientists and experts from other allied disciplines. This phenomenon brought about several departments in universities with added emphasis on physical anthropology and human genetics.

**Contents and Sample Pages**