Madhapar

Infobox Indian Jurisdiction
native_name = Madhapar


latd = 23.14 |longd = 69.42
state_name = Gujarat
district = Kutch district
leader_title =
leader_name =
altitude = 3
population_as_of = 2001 | population_total = 25,000 ref|CI1 | population_density = 6875
area_magnitude= sq. km
area_total = 26.67
area_telephone= 2832
postal_code= 370020
vehicle_code_range=GJ-12
footnotes = |

Madhapar is a large village located in south western Kutch district in the state of Gujarat, India. Bhuj is the regional hub of the town where the nearest airport exists. It serves one flight daily to Mumbai. The town of Madhapar, with a population of fewer than fifteen thousand people, some 3km from the main town of Bhuj in the province of Kutch (Gujarat), is one of the wealthiest towns in the area with an average GDP of $12,000 per person. Madhapar is also statistically the wealthiest village in the whole of southern asia.

In recent times, the town has become greener, with new lakes, check dams and deep bore artesian wells that provide fresh water all year round. New health centres, playing fields, parks and temples also add to the affluent lifestyle, giving Madhaparians the longest lifespan in India, with an average of 69 years.

History

The indigenous Indians moved from Rajasthan to the Kutch district around the 7th century. Around this time, many Kshatriyas settled in different parts of Kutch and started earning their livelihoods.

In the 12th century, many people moved into a village named Dhaneti in between Anjar and Bhuj. From here, many small villages were formed including Kukma, Reha, Ratnal and Madhapar.

Madhapar was named after Madha Kanji Solanki who had shifted from the Dhaneti village to Madhapar in the year 1473-1474. This early Madhapar today is known as Juna Vaas (Old Residence).

The first community moved into the village around 1576 and has grown ever since. The Village was not harshly affected by the 2001 Gujarat Earthquake that had caused severe damage in the region.

Much of the architectural design and construction of the housing in Madhapar is unique in comparison to many houses constructed in India and Gujarat. Construct and design the layout of the newly developed housings in Madhapar, in which the construction of these newly developed housing soon spread through the entire village and through many other villages in Kutch and Gujarat.

Economy

Agriculture plays a large part in the regions prosperity where most of the agricultural goods are exported to Mumbai. Agricultural goods primarily consists of corn, mangos and sugarcane.

The money is flowing in from all around the world but mainly from the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, Australia, Africa and the Gulf countries, due in a large part to the non-resident Indians who have emigrated from the village during the last fifty years, who bring money and business to the village.

As of recently many internet cafes and communication outlets have been opened, further allowing for growth and prosperity. The growing affluence has meant second home ownership is considerably growing at a rapid pace. As a result land prices have been also increasing rapidly, especially farmland which is in increased demand.

Madhaparians Abroad

During the late 60's and early 70's many Madhaparians emigrated to the UK and East Africa to form large communities in their respective countries. In 1968, Kutch Madhapar Karyalay was formed in London. Through its activities and gatherings the KMK managed to keep the UK Madhapar community together and the organisation continues to thrive today. See Kutch Madhapar Karyalay and Madhapar Youth Forum website [http://www.madhaparonline.co.uk "Kutch Madhapar Karyalay"]