Thinadhoo (Huvadhu Atoll)

Thinadhoo City is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu region in the atoll of Huvadhu of the Maldives. It has its own dialect of Dhivehi which is considerably different from northern speech.

The name Thinadhoo is derived from '' Euphorbia hirta'', locally known as Thina Vina (Thina Weed), a pantropical weed used for herbal medicines which grew in the island.

The island was formerly known as Havaru Thinadhoo and it was the traditional seat of the Atoll Chief. The island has a vibrant history of unrest and revolution.

Thinadhoo was the wealthiest island in the country before it was forcefully depopulated and demolished entirely in 1962. The rich merchants of the island were known to have assisted even the capital when in need.

City status

On August 30, 2023, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih formally announced Thinadhoo Island in Gaafu Dhaal Atoll as a city, utilizing the authority granted to him by Section 51 (a) of the Maldives' Decentralisation Act (Law number 7/2010).

The decision was made because of the island's significant population and its crucial role in delivering a diverse range of services to the inhabitants of the atolls.

A case was originally filed in the High Court to revoke Thinadhoo's city status after it was revealed that the Thinadhoo City Council submitted a fraudulent list in order to gain city status. The issue was also raised in parliament following a letter submitted by Thinadhoo MP Saudulla Hilmy. The High Court later dismissed it, citing no jurisdiction, which led to the dispute being redirected to the Civil Court.

History

Early history

Written history of the island is sparse, but Thinadhoo is known to have a rich history.

Havaru Thinadhoo

The Havaru, also known as the military factions, were sent to Thinadhoo during the time of ''Bodu Thakurufaanu''.

When 'havaru' were given these six regions they leased them to the people of Thinadhoo under the Vaaru system. Each year Thinadhoo people were to send the annual Varuvaa (Tax) to the 'Havaru' based in Male'. This practice lasted until the sultanate of Muhammad Mueenuddeen I.

In addition to Thinadhoo there were 3 other islands undertaken by the Havaru. They were Kaadedhoo, Kannigili Kolhu and Kubbudu in Huvadhoo Atoll.

During the time of Havaru, the island of Thinadhoo used Kaadedhoo for farming.

Annual varuvaa or tax

The annual varuvaa (tax) sent to the Huvaru in Male' from Thinadhoo included:

* 300 Boduvattey Bondi (a local type of dish)
* 1200 Kuduvatti (a local type of dish)
* 1200 Kaadeddhoo Kuna (local woven mat)
* 1 Hulhevi Kuna (local mat) from each household.
* 16 Wood blocks
* 1 Bokkura (a small local boat)
* 2 teaspoon of coconut oil from each person in Thinadhoo
* 1 Boikotte Boli (a type of shell) from each person in Thinadhoo

Ha Varu (Havaru or Six militia divisions)

The Ha Varu were organized as two ranks of three divisions each:

''Is Thin Varu (''Lead rank with three divisions)

* ''Dhoshimeynaa Varu''
* ''Velaanaa Varu''
* ''Hakuraa Varu''

''Fas Thin Varu'' (Rear rank with three divisions)

* ''Maafaiy Varu''
* ''Dhaharaa Varu''
* ''Faamuladheyri Varu''.

Muhammad Thakurufaanu Al Auzam offered havaru the island of Thinadhoo, He ordered that the 'dhandu kolhu', 'medhu ruganddu' and 'Baraaseel' to be given to Havaru along with the islands of Thinadhoo Maahuttaa, Kaadedhdhoo and Kuddu. The island itself was renamed Havaru Thinadhoo signifying the occupation.

United Suvadive Republic

Havaru Thinadhoo was the economic hub of the United Suvadive Republic, an unrecognised breakaway nation from Maldives.

Depopulation of Havaru Thinadhoo

On 4 February 1962 the Kingdom of Maldives reacted by sending a fully armed gunboat to Havaru Thinadhoo commanded by Prime Minister Ibrahim Nasir.

Enamaa boat incident

The Maldive boat ''Enamaa'' was carrying far more than its capacity of up to 126 when a wave overturned it. Twenty one people died with two missing when ''Enamaa'' capsized into the sea of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll on 17 March 2004.

The Enamaa boat was traveling at nine and a half nautical miles per hour to Thinadhoo Island after watching the home team play a football match in Vilingili Island in Gaafu Alifu atoll.

Geography

The island is south of the country's capital, Malé.

Climate

Thinadhoo has a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: ''Af'').

Demography

Education

Thinadhoo is served by 4 pre-schools, 2 primary schools, 1 secondary/high-school and 3 university/college campuses.
* Maldives National University Thinadhoo Campus
* Gaafu Dhaalu Atoll Education Centre
*Thinadhoo School
*Aboobakuru School
*MI Preschool and Daycare
*Uloomiyya Pre School
*Kangaroo kids M.M. International Preschool
*Ameer Ibrahim Pre School
*Avid College
* MI College
*Center for the Holy Quran

Transport

Kaadedhdhoo Domestic Airport is situated on a nearby island connected by speed boat which can be reached to Thinadhoo in 5-10 minutes.

See also

*United Suvadive Republic
* Upper South Province
*Huvadhu Atoll

References

External links

YouTube Video: G Dh. Thinadhoo visit by Ibrahim Nasir which led to Genocide 1962

Thinadhoo designated as a city

United Suvadive Republic
Populated places in the Maldives
Islands of the Maldives
{{cite web , url=https://en.sun.mv/84405 , title=Thinadhoo designated as a city