Thinadhoo (Huvadhu Atoll)
Thinadhoo City is the capital of Gaafu Dhaalu region in the atoll of Huvadhu and the proposed capital for the Upper South Province of the Maldives. It has its own dialect of Dhivehi which is considerably different from northern speech. It is pronounced as Thenadu in the Southern Maldives dialect. 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 was 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. 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 till the sultanate of Muhammad Mueenuddeen I who was the sultan of the Maldives from 1798 to 1835. 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