The Indian Village Every Girl Dreams of Marrying Into, Know the Reason

Known as the richest village in Asia, Madhapar in Gujarat boasts wealth, modern facilities, and a global presence

When most people think of an Indian village, the picture that comes to mind is of mud huts, hand pumps, dusty roads, and women fetching water from wells. But one village in Gujarat breaks this stereotype completely. Welcome to Madhapar, located about 200 km from Porbandar—the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi—which today stands as the richest village in India, and arguably in all of Asia.

A Village Richer Than Cities

Madhapar is home to nearly 92,000 people and has about 7,600 houses. Unlike typical villages, it offers world-class facilities: 24-hour electricity, a modern hospital, digital schools, smooth roads, and efficient sanitation. Astonishingly, the village hosts 17 bank branches, where residents have collectively deposited more than ₹7,000 crore in fixed deposits—a figure that outshines even many urban financial hubs.

Unsurprisingly, the prosperity of Madhapar has made it a much sought-after address, with locals joking that girls from nearby regions eagerly wish to marry boys from this village, where “every home is a millionaire’s home.”

The Role of Overseas Patels

The majority of Madhapar’s residents belong to the Patel community, many of whom migrated abroad for work and business. Around 1,200 families from Madhapar now live in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Africa, and the Gulf. These expatriates continue to send hefty remittances home, not only supporting their families but also funding schools, hospitals, and infrastructure projects in their native village.

Thanks to this steady inflow of money, Madhapar’s economy thrives around its banking system, with branches of leading banks like SBI, HDFC, ICICI, Axis Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Union Bank all operating within the village.

More Than 800 Years of History

Madhapar’s story is not just about wealth—it’s about heritage. Established in the 12th century by the Mistri community of Kutch, the village has a long history of building temples and architectural marvels across India. Over time, it became a melting pot, welcoming communities from Punjab, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Kashmir, creating a unique cultural blend.

A Model of Rural India’s Potential

Today, Madhapar offers amenities that rival big cities: schools, colleges, healthcare centers, parks, banks, and digital infrastructure. Its residents enjoy a lifestyle that many urban dwellers aspire to. Beyond its financial success, Madhapar is an inspiring example of how villages can thrive when tradition, global connections, and community development come together.