Nestled on the fringes of Bhuj in Gujarat, the village of Madhapur is a striking example of rural prosperity. Known as “Asia’s richest village,” Madhapur boasts a population of around 32,000, nearly double the 17,000 it housed in 2011. This growth reflects not just in numbers, but in wealth too. The villagers collectively hold fixed deposits exceeding ₹7,000 crore, a sum that sets it apart as a rural economic powerhouse.
What fuels this wealth?
At the heart of Madhapur’s prosperity are its strong ties with non-resident Indian (NRI) families, particularly those from the Patel community. These families, who have branched out to countries like the UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, and particularly nations across Africa, have forged businesses abroad, particularly in construction. Year after year, they funnel crores back to their roots in Madhapur, enriching not only their families but the entire village economy.
Madhapur’s main street is dotted with 17 banks, a surprising number for any village, let alone one this size. It includes prominent public and private banks like HDFC, SBI, Axis, and ICICI, all eager to participate in the village’s financial ecosystem. In fact, more banks are looking to open branches here, driven by the village’s steady stream of deposits.
The connection between Madhapur and its diaspora goes beyond financial transactions. NRIs remain deeply bonded to their heritage, keeping Madhapur as their primary bank destination, even while living abroad. Today, the village has almost 20,000 homes, with around 1,200 of these belonging to families overseas. This continued financial inflow has transformed the village into a thriving hub with solid infrastructure, well-paved roads, reliable water supply, modern sanitation, and an array of public and private schools.
While Gujarat is home to some of India’s most influential business families, Madhapur exemplifies that success isn’t confined to cities. Instead, this rural success story shows how global connections can drive local prosperity. As Parulben Kara, former president of the District Panchayat, remarked, “Though many villagers live and work abroad, they remain attached to their village and prefer parking their money in the banks here rather than where they live.”
For residents, this flow of funds isn’t just about wealth, it’s about preserving their heritage and uplifting the community. The local bank manager puts it best, “The huge deposits have made this village prosperous. We have everything from basic facilities like water and sanitation to lakes, bungalows, temples, and schools.”
