India is known for its diversity, with people from all walks of life belonging to various ethnicities that call this vibrant country home. When it comes to skin tones, there is a wide range present within the population as well. However, there are certain skin tones that are more predominant than others amongst Indians. In this article, we will explore what the most common Indian skin tone is based on research and statistics.
The Fitzpatrick Skin Type Classification System
The Fitzpatrick skin type classification system is a commonly used scale to classify different skin tones and types. It was developed in 1975 by dermatologist Thomas Fitzpatrick to assess how different skin types respond to ultraviolet light. The scale ranges from Type I to Type VI based on susceptibility to sunburn, tanability and ethnic background.
This system is useful when examining skin tones within a population. For Indians, the most common Fitzpatrick skin types are thought to be Type IV and V. Here is a brief overview of these two types:
Type IV
Type IV skin is described as a moderate brown skin tone. It tans easily and rarely burns. This skin type is common amongst populations in the Mediterranean region and amongst Hispanics and Latinos. For Indians, those with ancestral roots in Northern India are more likely to fall into this category.
Type V
Type V skin is classified as a dark brown skin tone. It tans easily and very rarely burns. This skin type is most common in populations of Middle Eastern, Hispanic/Latino and African descent. For Indians, those with roots in Southern India are more likely to have Type V skin.
So using the Fitzpatrick scale, we can conclude Type IV and V brown skin tones are the most prevalent amongst Indians. However, this classification system has its limitations for assessing the diversity within the Indian populace. Next, we’ll look at some statistics on actual skin tone distribution in India.
Distribution of Skin Tones in India
While the Fitzpatrick system provides a broad classification, examining statistics on the distribution of skin tones provides more nuanced insight:
| Skin Tone | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|
| Very Fair | 5% |
| Wheatish Fair | 30% |
| Wheatish Brown | 30% |
| Dark | 25% |
| Very Dark | 10% |
*Statistics from a skin tone survey conducted by Matrimony.com in 2016
This data shows that around 30% of Indians have a wheatish fair or wheatish brown skin tone. The wheatish range falls under Type IV and V on the Fitzpatrick scale.
Wheatish is described as a light to mid brown tone that appears within a spectrum from fair to dark brown. So from this data, we can ascertain that medium brown wheatish skin tones are likely the most common amongst Indians.
Factors That Influence Skin Tone in India
India’s diversity in skin tones is influenced by various factors:
Geography
Northern parts of India receive less UV radiation which correlates to lighter skin tones. Southern India gets more UV radiation leading to darker skin tones. This gradient of skin tones from North to South is a well-documented phenomenon.
Ethnicity
India consists of diverse ethnic groups like Indo-Aryans, Dravidians, Mongolids and more. These groups descended from different ancestral populations and reflect genetic differences in skin tones. For example, Dravidians of Southern India are more likely to have darker skin.
Castes
The caste system has traditionally correlated with occupations. Lower rural castes working outdoors developed darker skin than elite upper castes with indoor jobs. Thus, skin tone came to be associated with caste and socioeconomic status.
Colonization
British colonialism promoted the superiority of lighter skin tones. This led to prejudices towards darker skins that still persist today. Colonization exacerbated the preferences for fairer skin amongst elite upper castes.
Migration
Internal migration of Indians from different regions leads to more skin tone diversity concentrated in urban areas. Rural to urban migration as well as immigration from other countries contributes to skin tone variation.
Regional Differences in Skin Tones
While the wheatish medium brown skin tone is most prevalent overall, the specific distribution differs regionally:
Northern India
States like Punjab, Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh have higher percentages of lighter wheatish fair skin tones. Being further from the equator, Northern India receives less UV radiation. Historically, the Indo-Aryan ethnic groups populating this region also had fairer skin.
Southern India
Dravidian ethnic groups are predominant here. The tropical climate and closer proximity to the equator results in darker wheatish brown skin tones being more common. However, fairer skin is still sought after and prevalent among upper castes.
Eastern India
States like West Bengal and Odisha show greater skin tone diversity. This region saw more mixing of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian groups. Skin tones range from fairer wheatish to darker wheatish brown.
Western India
Maharashtra and Gujarat show a distribution of skin tones on the fairer wheatish end of the spectrum. These states are further north and traditionally were inhabited by upper caste communities. Fair skin is still prized here.
So while wheatish medium brown is the most common Indian skin tone overall, the specific hue leans fairer in the North and darker in the South. But in most regions, the wheatish spectrum is predominant.
Changes in Skin Tone Perceptions
Traditionally, fair skin was associated with higher socioeconomic status in Indian culture. But with rising education levels and social change, perceptions are shifting:
Increasing Acceptance of Darker Skin
The younger generation is more supportive of darker skin tones. Celebrities with dusky skin are gaining prominence and changing beauty standards.
Challenging Colorism
Activists are speaking out against colorism – prejudice towards darker skin tones. There is greater awareness of how colorism perpetuates discrimination.
Representation in Media
Darer skin tones are getting more representation in films, ads and magazines. Brands are using models across the spectrum to promote inclusivity.
Pride in Diversity
All skin tones native to India are being recognized as equally Indian. There is growing pride in India’s range of complexions.
However, wheatish medium brown skin continues to be the idealized and most sought after tone, especially in matrimonial ads. The shift will require more time as deeply rooted prejudices persist.
Conclusion
From the data and analysis, we can conclude that the most common Indian skin tone falls in the wheatish spectrum from fair to brown. This wheatish medium brown range corresponds to Type IV and V on the Fitzpatrick scale and encompasses the majority of Indians. However, skin tone distribution varies by region with fairer tones in the North and darker tones in the South.
While preferences for fair skin carry on due to historical colorism and casteism, perceptions are slowly changing. There is growing appreciation of India’s diverse skin tone range. The wheatish medium brown tones likely reflect the ancestral mixing of Indo-Aryan and Dravidian populations. This unique blend continues to represent the most prevalent skin complexion amongst modern Indians today.
