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Exploring the DNA of Zheng He
Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) is one of the most famous admirals in Chinese history, and is best known for his treasure voyages. These voyages served to project the power and the wealth of the Ming Dynasty to the known world and were sponsored by the Ming emperor, Yongle, himself. Yet, due to the way that the Yongle Emperor came to power, it has been speculated that the treasure voyages were commissioned with a more sinister goal in mind. Before going into that, however, we shall first have a look at the man who led these voyages, the admiral Zheng He.
The Story of Zheng He
Zheng He was born in 1371 to a Hui Muslim family in Yunnan, southwestern China, and was originally named Ma He. In 1378, this region was conquered by the forces of the Ming Dynasty. Subsequently, the Ming army embarked on a military campaign in this area to eliminate any remaining Yuan loyalists.
In 1381, Zheng He was captured by Ming soldiers, sent to the capital, Nanjing, castrated, and entered into the imperial service as a eunuch. He was then sent to Beiping (modern day Beijing) to serve in the household of the Prince of Yan. During this time, Zheng He proved that he was a capable military commander, as he accompanied his master on various military campaigns. Moreover, thanks to his loyalty and leadership, Zheng He soon became one of the prince’s closest confidants.
A modern statue of Admiral Zheng He (Quanzhou Maritime Museum)
Creation of the Treasure Fleet
In August 1399, the Prince of Yan led a rebellion against the Jianwen Emperor, the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who was also his nephew. The rebellion was successful, and the Prince of Yan became the Yongle Emperor in 1402.
In the official records, it is stated that the Jianwen Emperor perished in a fire that broke out in the imperial palace. Some, however, have speculated that the Jianwen Emperor survived his uncle’s rebellion, and had fled to Southeast Asia. Thus, it has been suggested that the treasure voyages of Zheng He were sponsored by the Yongle Emperor with the intention of seeking out the deposed emperor. The more commonly accepted reason for these voyages, however, is that they were meant to showcase the Ming Dynasty’s power and wealth to the world.
General Zheng He statue in Sam Po Kong temple, Semarang, Indonesia
Thus, in 1403, the Yongle Emperor commanded the construction of the ‘Treasure Fleet.’ In addition to trade ships, warships and support vessels were also built for the journey across the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. The largest of these ships is said to have measured at 400 feet (121.9 meters) in length and 186 feet (56.7 meters) in width. As a comparison, Columbus’ Santa Maria is estimated to have had a deck of about 58 feet (17.7 meters) in length.
In 1405, the first of the seven treasure voyages began. At the head of this voyage was Zheng He, who commanded up to 27,870 men on board 317 ships. In addition to sailors, there were also clerks, interpreters, soldiers, artisans, doctors, and meteorologists on this voyage. As for the cargo, the ships held large quantities of luxury goods, including silk, porcelain, as well as gold and silver items.
Woodblock print representing Zheng He’s ships.
Zheng He’s Voyages
The first voyage brought the Treasure Fleet to Calicut, southwestern India, where spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper were purchased. Before reaching Calicut, the fleet travelled to several areas in Southeast Asia, including Champa (southern Vietnam), Siam (Thailand), Malacca, and Java. On their return trip to China, the fleet stopped at Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
In 1407, the Treasure Fleet was back in China, laden not only with spices, but also with foreign envoys who came to pay homage and present tribute to the Ming Emperor. Between 1408 and 1433, six more treasure voyages were led by Zheng He. During these voyages, Zheng He negotiated trade pacts, fought pirates, dethroned a hostile king, and brought back more envoys and tribute to the Ming court.
The Kangnido map (1402) predates Zheng He's voyages and suggests that he had quite detailed geographical information on much of the Old World.
Zheng He’s Fall from Favor in China
Zheng He died in 1433, either in Calicut, where he decided to stay during his 7th voyage due to failing health, or on the return journey to China. Another suggestion is that he managed to return to China, and died some years later.
Zheng He’s tomb. Nanjing, China.
Immediately after Zheng He’s death, the eunuch fell from favor, and most of the Chinese historical records about him and his voyages are said to have been destroyed. It may also be mentioned that the Yongle Emperor died in 1424, and that during the reign of his successor, the Hongxi Emperor, no voyages were undertaken. Zheng He’s final voyage was made during the reign of the Xuande Emperor, Yongle’s grandson. By contrast, in many Chinese communities of Southeast Asia, Zheng He is venerated as a folk hero.
Monument honoring admiral Zheng He. Melaka, Malaysia
DNA Genetic Evidence
Lets look at DNA research paper title：Present Y chromosomes support the Persian ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar and Eminent Navigator Zheng He
Sayyid Ajjal is the ancestor of many Muslims in areas all across China. And one of his descendants is the famous Navigator of Ming Dynasty, Zheng He, who led the largest armada in the world of 15th century. The origin of Sayyid Ajjal's family remains unclear although many studies have been done on this topic of Muslim history. In this paper, we studied the Y chromosomes of his present descendants, and found they all have haplogroup L1a-M76, proving a southern Persian origin.
Most people now inherit surnames from their fathers; and similarly, most men also inherit the Y chromosomes from their fathers. Therefore, men sharing the same surname are expected to have similar Y chromosomes. When combined with surnames and genealogies, Y chromosome can be used to trace the ancestry of eminent persons in history by studying their present descendants. Successful cases include the inference of Y chromosome haplotype of Emperor CAO Cao. Here, we continue to use this method to provide clues about the genetic ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar and the eminent navigator Zheng He.
Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar is a very famous person in East Asia and the Muslim world. Sayyid Ajjal was a Muslim Khwarezmian in Bukhara before his family surrendered to Genghis Khan. Then, he was appointed as the first provincial governor of Yunnan in history by Yuan Dynasty. Sayyid Ajjal also made great contributions to the widespread presence of Islam in China. Many Muslims across China have taken Sayyid Ajjal as their ancestor, especially the famous explorer and diplomat Zheng He in Ming Dynasty and nowadays the Muslims with surname Na in Yunnan province. Na people are suggested by historical records and their genealogies to be the descendants of Nasr al-Din, the first son of Sayyid Ajjal. Zheng He whose original surname was Ma has also been suggested to be the descendant of Nasr al-Din. However, the ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal is still in debate. He was born in Bukhara (nowadays in Uzbekistan); however, his ancestors were suggested to have moved around West Asia, North Africa, Europe, and Persia before their final settlement in Central Asia. Some other genealogies even pointed to that the ancestors of Sayyid Ajjal had already arrived in China in the Song Dynasty . Therefore, whether Sayyid Ajjal has a Persian ancestry or not is yet to be validated.
Jianbo Na has tried to discuss this issue in his Master degree thesis. He collected 40 male samples with surname Na from Datong County, Yunnan province and typed 9 Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). He found that 35 individuals shared the same haplotype (DYS19, 14; DYS389I, 12; DYS389b, 16; DYS390, 22; DYS391, 11; DYS392, 14; DYS393, 11) and two individuals only had one step mutation compared with the above haplotype. However, he didn’t type the Y chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and couldn’t give a deterministic conclusion about the ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal. Here, we recollected male samples with surname Na and Ma according to the genealogies of Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He from Datong and Kunming, Yunnan province. We typed Y chromosome SNPs as listed in the latest Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree and 17 Y-Filer STRs. One of the three Na samples shared the same haplotype as mentioned above (DYS19, 14; DYS389I, 12; DYS389b, 16; DYS390, 22; DYS391, 11; DYS392, 14; DYS393, 11; DYS437, 15; DYS438, 11; DYS439, 12; DYS448, 19; DYS456, 17; DYS458, 16; DYS635, 24; H4, 12; DYS385a, 13; DYS385b, 17) and the Ma sample also shared the similar haplotype with only one step mutation at DYS19 for the 17 Y-STRs. The haplogroup of Na and Ma samples were assigned as L1a-M76.
Haplogroup L1a-M76 is found mainly in Eastern Iran, Southern Pakistan, and India. A low frequency of L1a-M76 has also been detected in Saudi Arabia, Nepal, and Central Asia (Fig. 1a). To discern the detailed relationships among the Na and Ma people and other related populations, we constructed a median-joining network based on Y-STR haplotypes within the L-M11 haplogroup (Fig.1b). Many Dravidian (southern India) and Malaysian Indian samples together with four Pakistan (three Balochi and one Makrani), four Afghanistan (one Bagram, one Arab, one Balush, and one Uzbek) samples, and one Na individual formed the root clade of haplogroup L1a-M76. Most of Na samples had one step mutation with the root haplotype and they also clustered a middle size clade with few Malaysian Indian samples. The nearly exclusive clade of Na samples indicates the severe founder effect and the subsequent clan expansion. The Na and Ma Muslims with the Y chromosome haplogroup L1a-M76 might trace their origin to western South Asia, most of where were occupied by Persia for a long time during the period of their ancient ancestors. The strict Islamic genealogies also link the Na and Ma Muslims to Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He hundreds of years ago. Thus, the suggested Persian ancestry for Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He is supported by genetic evidence.
Figure 1. (a). Frequency distribution of haplogroup L1a-M76. The map was created by using the Kriging algorithm of the Surfer 9.11 package based on Google maps. (b) Median-joining network based on seven Y-STRs (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389b, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393) of haplogroup L-M11 individuals. Reference population data on the Y chromosomes were retrieved from the literature.
Zheng He (also known as Cheng Ho) is one of the most famous admirals in Chinese history, and is best known for his treasure voyages. These voyages served to project the power and the wealth of the Ming Dynasty to the known world and were sponsored by the Ming emperor, Yongle, himself. Yet, due to the way that the Yongle Emperor came to power, it has been speculated that the treasure voyages were commissioned with a more sinister goal in mind. Before going into that, however, we shall first have a look at the man who led these voyages, the admiral Zheng He.
The Story of Zheng He
Zheng He was born in 1371 to a Hui Muslim family in Yunnan, southwestern China, and was originally named Ma He. In 1378, this region was conquered by the forces of the Ming Dynasty. Subsequently, the Ming army embarked on a military campaign in this area to eliminate any remaining Yuan loyalists.
In 1381, Zheng He was captured by Ming soldiers, sent to the capital, Nanjing, castrated, and entered into the imperial service as a eunuch. He was then sent to Beiping (modern day Beijing) to serve in the household of the Prince of Yan. During this time, Zheng He proved that he was a capable military commander, as he accompanied his master on various military campaigns. Moreover, thanks to his loyalty and leadership, Zheng He soon became one of the prince’s closest confidants.
A modern statue of Admiral Zheng He (Quanzhou Maritime Museum)
Creation of the Treasure Fleet
In August 1399, the Prince of Yan led a rebellion against the Jianwen Emperor, the second emperor of the Ming Dynasty, who was also his nephew. The rebellion was successful, and the Prince of Yan became the Yongle Emperor in 1402.
In the official records, it is stated that the Jianwen Emperor perished in a fire that broke out in the imperial palace. Some, however, have speculated that the Jianwen Emperor survived his uncle’s rebellion, and had fled to Southeast Asia. Thus, it has been suggested that the treasure voyages of Zheng He were sponsored by the Yongle Emperor with the intention of seeking out the deposed emperor. The more commonly accepted reason for these voyages, however, is that they were meant to showcase the Ming Dynasty’s power and wealth to the world.
General Zheng He statue in Sam Po Kong temple, Semarang, Indonesia
Thus, in 1403, the Yongle Emperor commanded the construction of the ‘Treasure Fleet.’ In addition to trade ships, warships and support vessels were also built for the journey across the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean. The largest of these ships is said to have measured at 400 feet (121.9 meters) in length and 186 feet (56.7 meters) in width. As a comparison, Columbus’ Santa Maria is estimated to have had a deck of about 58 feet (17.7 meters) in length.
In 1405, the first of the seven treasure voyages began. At the head of this voyage was Zheng He, who commanded up to 27,870 men on board 317 ships. In addition to sailors, there were also clerks, interpreters, soldiers, artisans, doctors, and meteorologists on this voyage. As for the cargo, the ships held large quantities of luxury goods, including silk, porcelain, as well as gold and silver items.
Woodblock print representing Zheng He’s ships.
Zheng He’s Voyages
The first voyage brought the Treasure Fleet to Calicut, southwestern India, where spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and pepper were purchased. Before reaching Calicut, the fleet travelled to several areas in Southeast Asia, including Champa (southern Vietnam), Siam (Thailand), Malacca, and Java. On their return trip to China, the fleet stopped at Ceylon (Sri Lanka).
In 1407, the Treasure Fleet was back in China, laden not only with spices, but also with foreign envoys who came to pay homage and present tribute to the Ming Emperor. Between 1408 and 1433, six more treasure voyages were led by Zheng He. During these voyages, Zheng He negotiated trade pacts, fought pirates, dethroned a hostile king, and brought back more envoys and tribute to the Ming court.
The Kangnido map (1402) predates Zheng He's voyages and suggests that he had quite detailed geographical information on much of the Old World.
Zheng He’s Fall from Favor in China
Zheng He died in 1433, either in Calicut, where he decided to stay during his 7th voyage due to failing health, or on the return journey to China. Another suggestion is that he managed to return to China, and died some years later.
Zheng He’s tomb. Nanjing, China.
Immediately after Zheng He’s death, the eunuch fell from favor, and most of the Chinese historical records about him and his voyages are said to have been destroyed. It may also be mentioned that the Yongle Emperor died in 1424, and that during the reign of his successor, the Hongxi Emperor, no voyages were undertaken. Zheng He’s final voyage was made during the reign of the Xuande Emperor, Yongle’s grandson. By contrast, in many Chinese communities of Southeast Asia, Zheng He is venerated as a folk hero.
Monument honoring admiral Zheng He. Melaka, Malaysia
DNA Genetic Evidence
Lets look at DNA research paper title：Present Y chromosomes support the Persian ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar and Eminent Navigator Zheng He
Sayyid Ajjal is the ancestor of many Muslims in areas all across China. And one of his descendants is the famous Navigator of Ming Dynasty, Zheng He, who led the largest armada in the world of 15th century. The origin of Sayyid Ajjal's family remains unclear although many studies have been done on this topic of Muslim history. In this paper, we studied the Y chromosomes of his present descendants, and found they all have haplogroup L1a-M76, proving a southern Persian origin.
Most people now inherit surnames from their fathers; and similarly, most men also inherit the Y chromosomes from their fathers. Therefore, men sharing the same surname are expected to have similar Y chromosomes. When combined with surnames and genealogies, Y chromosome can be used to trace the ancestry of eminent persons in history by studying their present descendants. Successful cases include the inference of Y chromosome haplotype of Emperor CAO Cao. Here, we continue to use this method to provide clues about the genetic ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar and the eminent navigator Zheng He.
Sayyid Ajjal Shams al-Din Omar is a very famous person in East Asia and the Muslim world. Sayyid Ajjal was a Muslim Khwarezmian in Bukhara before his family surrendered to Genghis Khan. Then, he was appointed as the first provincial governor of Yunnan in history by Yuan Dynasty. Sayyid Ajjal also made great contributions to the widespread presence of Islam in China. Many Muslims across China have taken Sayyid Ajjal as their ancestor, especially the famous explorer and diplomat Zheng He in Ming Dynasty and nowadays the Muslims with surname Na in Yunnan province. Na people are suggested by historical records and their genealogies to be the descendants of Nasr al-Din, the first son of Sayyid Ajjal. Zheng He whose original surname was Ma has also been suggested to be the descendant of Nasr al-Din. However, the ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal is still in debate. He was born in Bukhara (nowadays in Uzbekistan); however, his ancestors were suggested to have moved around West Asia, North Africa, Europe, and Persia before their final settlement in Central Asia. Some other genealogies even pointed to that the ancestors of Sayyid Ajjal had already arrived in China in the Song Dynasty . Therefore, whether Sayyid Ajjal has a Persian ancestry or not is yet to be validated.
Jianbo Na has tried to discuss this issue in his Master degree thesis. He collected 40 male samples with surname Na from Datong County, Yunnan province and typed 9 Y chromosomal short tandem repeats (STRs). He found that 35 individuals shared the same haplotype (DYS19, 14; DYS389I, 12; DYS389b, 16; DYS390, 22; DYS391, 11; DYS392, 14; DYS393, 11) and two individuals only had one step mutation compared with the above haplotype. However, he didn’t type the Y chromosomal single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and couldn’t give a deterministic conclusion about the ancestry of Sayyid Ajjal. Here, we recollected male samples with surname Na and Ma according to the genealogies of Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He from Datong and Kunming, Yunnan province. We typed Y chromosome SNPs as listed in the latest Y-chromosome phylogenetic tree and 17 Y-Filer STRs. One of the three Na samples shared the same haplotype as mentioned above (DYS19, 14; DYS389I, 12; DYS389b, 16; DYS390, 22; DYS391, 11; DYS392, 14; DYS393, 11; DYS437, 15; DYS438, 11; DYS439, 12; DYS448, 19; DYS456, 17; DYS458, 16; DYS635, 24; H4, 12; DYS385a, 13; DYS385b, 17) and the Ma sample also shared the similar haplotype with only one step mutation at DYS19 for the 17 Y-STRs. The haplogroup of Na and Ma samples were assigned as L1a-M76.
Haplogroup L1a-M76 is found mainly in Eastern Iran, Southern Pakistan, and India. A low frequency of L1a-M76 has also been detected in Saudi Arabia, Nepal, and Central Asia (Fig. 1a). To discern the detailed relationships among the Na and Ma people and other related populations, we constructed a median-joining network based on Y-STR haplotypes within the L-M11 haplogroup (Fig.1b). Many Dravidian (southern India) and Malaysian Indian samples together with four Pakistan (three Balochi and one Makrani), four Afghanistan (one Bagram, one Arab, one Balush, and one Uzbek) samples, and one Na individual formed the root clade of haplogroup L1a-M76. Most of Na samples had one step mutation with the root haplotype and they also clustered a middle size clade with few Malaysian Indian samples. The nearly exclusive clade of Na samples indicates the severe founder effect and the subsequent clan expansion. The Na and Ma Muslims with the Y chromosome haplogroup L1a-M76 might trace their origin to western South Asia, most of where were occupied by Persia for a long time during the period of their ancient ancestors. The strict Islamic genealogies also link the Na and Ma Muslims to Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He hundreds of years ago. Thus, the suggested Persian ancestry for Sayyid Ajjal and Zheng He is supported by genetic evidence.
Figure 1. (a). Frequency distribution of haplogroup L1a-M76. The map was created by using the Kriging algorithm of the Surfer 9.11 package based on Google maps. (b) Median-joining network based on seven Y-STRs (DYS19, DYS389I, DYS389b, DYS390, DYS391, DYS392, and DYS393) of haplogroup L-M11 individuals. Reference population data on the Y chromosomes were retrieved from the literature.
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