India link to ancient Australia

Australia's history could be rewritten with new research suggesting people from India colonised the country 4000 years ago and may have brought dingoes with them.

German scientists analysed the DNA of Indians and Aboriginals and found there was a substantial gene flow from India to Australia 141 generations, or 4230 years, ago.

The research will be published today in the journal PNAS.

Scientists said the gene flow coincided with the earliest dingo fossils in Australia, suggesting the colonisers introduced the animals.

Although dingo DNA appeared to be linked to South East Asia the animals were morphologically closest to Indian dogs.

Changes in stone tool technology and how people processed plants for food 4000 years ago also led researchers to suggest the techniques could be related to Indian migration.