Nestled in the Kutch district of Gujarat, Madhapar is rewriting the story of rural India. With just 7,600 homes, this small village boasts 17 banks, holding deposits that reportedly total around Rs 5,000 crores, making it arguably the richest village in the world.
The secret behind Madhapar’s wealth lies in its global diaspora. A significant portion of its population—approximately 65%—consists of Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) living in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These residents have maintained strong ties to their roots, contributing heavily to the village’s development and prosperity. On average, each household benefits from around Rs 15 lakh in bank deposits, a figure that is almost unheard of for rural India.
Madhapar’s roots trace back to the Mistri of Kutch, settlers from Rajasthan who established themselves across 18 villages in Gujarat. Over the years, their entrepreneurial spirit combined with global remittances has fueled remarkable growth, transforming Madhapar from a quiet village into a financial powerhouse.
The village’s success is a testament to India’s position as a top remittance-recipient country. With inward foreign remittances projected to rise further in 2024 and 2025, Madhapar’s story is not just one of wealth but also of strong community ties, global connections, and strategic financial planning.
Madhapar is more than just numbers—it’s a symbol of how rural India is embracing modernity, breaking stereotypes, and leveraging global networks to create lasting prosperity. The village stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when heritage, ambition, and global support converge.
