Tracing the Echoes of Pigs: A Multidisciplinary Study on Rock Art, Archaeogenetics, and Ethnoarchaeological Evidence of Early Domestication Practices

Anindya Sanyal1*, Shailesh Desai2, Gyaneshwer Chaubey2, and Sachin Kumar Tiwary1

The paper explores the comprehensive relationship between humans and wild boar group (Sus scrofa) through the references from archaeozoological evidence, ethnographic data, and genetical footprints. Drawing from archaeological findings across the Indian subcontinent, when corroborated with genetic studies from recent times, supports the hypothesis of multiple domestication centres. Furthermore, the paper highlights the cultural, ecological, and socio-economic significance of pigs across prehistoric and historic periods, emphasising their role not only as a food source but also as an integral part of ancient rituals, symbolism, and human settlements. The paper integrates wild boar’s genetic footprints in India while the distinctive genetic evolution demonstrates the pathway of domestication of pig in India. Key ecological traits ensured the long lives and quick adaptation implying better suited accompany for humans since prehistoric periods. Ethnographic practices present a continuous tradition that involves pigs in the human society not only as a mere source of food but also a figure of deep religious identity. The continuity depicted through the genetic data, visual archaeological occurrence, archaeozoological data, and the ethnographical practices demonstrates the long-lasting relationship. The study reveals the function of wild boar group as a key eco-cultural species which simultaneously served as a domesticable ecological agent, critical food source, and a symbol being. The study of genetic footprint for tracing the domestication of pig across India coupled with the archaeozoological evidence and symbolic representation, integrated with the continuous anthropological practices presents a comprehensive model for the study human-faunal relationships.