Mid-phalangeal hair, hand clasping and handedness among Khatris and Baniyas of Patiala, India.

Mid-phalangeal hair, hand clasping and handedness have been examined in 425 adult subjects from two endogamous groups of Patiala, Hindu Khatris (230) and Baniyas (195). In a majority of subjects (53.73% in males and 46.35% in females) mid-phalangeal hair appears to be completely absent. The highest frequency of this trait is found in the combination III-IV and, when considering individual digits, on IV (around 50%). As for hand clasping, R-type appears to be more frequent in Khatris and L-type in Baniyas. Right handedness appears to be by large more frequent in both groups and sexes.