Hand Index: An Anthropo-Forensic Tool for Human Identification in India

Abstract

The aim of the study was to determine and classify the hand index of 200 individuals selected randomly within age group 18 – 65 years from Udaipur district, Rajasthan, India. The measured parameters are hand length and hand breadth. This study also attempt to compare the hand index obtained from direct as well as indirect (from hand print & hand outline) methods. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistical software. Results shows that there were statistically significant differences in the hand parameters of male compared to female subjects for all observed parameters. It is interesting that hand index obtained from different methods doesn’t indicate variation however there exist statistically significant variation in terms of hand length and hand breadth. Also there is statistically significant difference between the hand dimensions obtained from different methods. Hand classification denoted that population of Rajasthan state belongs to dolichocheir (dch) group of hand for all the direct and indirect methods. The comparison of hand index with populations of 17 different states of India indicates that Indian population belongs to any category of hand index except hyperbrachycheir. Also an attempt has been made to observe the correlative effect of climate divisions of India with the hand categories. Comparison with 25 other foreign countries shows the existence of hyperbrachycheir that is broader large palm but short fingers. This shows that morphological characteristics of hand depend on many factors such as gender, ethnicity, socio-cultural domain, environment & genetic factors and it differs from region to region. Thus, it can be said that Identification of hand parameters is very helpful in concealing identity of mutilated remains in any disastrous act, also in examination of chance evidences in crime scene for criminal proceedings and this comparative data of hand index can also help to determine the resident place of an unknown individual.