Villages typically have a charming and serene atmosphere, covered with naturalistic bounties and houses built close to each other, reflecting a sense of community. But when we visualize a village, we usually think of its other side, which is not so developed. The muddy roads, handpumps, bullock carts, clay homes without electricity and laborers from agriculture working in the fields.
The scenario is a little changed now. Today villages are progressing rapidly. There are significant initiatives carried out by the government to encourage job creation and economic growth and address all the disparities that can hinder the development of these areas.
Madhapur: Asia’s richest Hamlet
The Madhapur Village in Kachchh is the richest hamlet in Asia, located in India. Sited in Gujrat’s Bhuj, this village will surely be going to change one’s perspective on Indian villages. The nearest major city to the village is Porbandar.
A Prosperous Village
This Madhapur village in Gujrat, India, boasts 17 banks that hold fixed deposits worth Rs 7,000 crores, making it the richest village not just in India but in entire Asia. Some major private and public banks include HDFC Bank, SBI, PNB, Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, and Union Bank. Despite this, there are more banks that are eager to establish their branches there.
The prosperity of this village is largely attributed to its NRI families, who deposit significant amounts in their local banks.
In 2011, the village had a population of approx. 32,000 people, while currently the village has a population of more than 90, 000, including some who are from Bhuj—the province of Kutch in Gujrat.
The village has modern infrastructure such as health centers, schools, parks, and temples.
Dates to 12th century
Additionally, the village is also known for its historical significance, having its roots back to the 12th century. When it was established by the Kutch Gurjar Kshatriya community, also known as the Mistris of Kutch.
Historical Significance
They have largely contributed to the development of all the early infrastructure. This wealthiest place is named after Madha Kanji Solanki, a member of the Solanki dynasty who moved from Dhaneti to Madhapur.
The village has over 20,000 houses, which are home to 1,200 NRI families or those living abroad, mainly in African countries, the UK, Australia, and New Zealand.
A Well-resourced Village
Madhapur village is well-equipped with all the basic amenities like water, sanitation, and roads and bungalows, public and private schools, lakes, temples, etc.
This is because substantial capital deposits and maintenance have contributed to the village’s development. It has also established the Madhapur Village Association in London to connect and impact their village’s image globally.
A Home to Several Temples
Madhapur is home to several temples including the Mahadev Temple, Barla Temple, Swaminarayan Temple, Sanatan Thakor Temple, Yaksh Mandir, or Jakh Bautera Temple (preserving 72 yakshas or Jakh Botera deities).
Geology
It has two major lakes including Jagasagar and Megharajji Lake. The Jagarsagar lake is an artificial lake made by Mistri railway contractor Jagamal Bhima Rathod. It was founded in the early 19th century and is named after him. The Megharajji lake is named after the last ruler of Kutch state, Megharajji.
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