Thinadhoo City
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, 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 of the Maldives' Decentralisation Act.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.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 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 sent to the Huvaru in Male' from Thinadhoo included:- 300 Boduvattey Bondi
- 1200 Kuduvatti
- 1200 Kaadeddhoo Kuna
- 1 Hulhevi Kuna from each household.
- 16 Wood blocks
- 1 Bokkura
- 2 teaspoon of coconut oil from each person in Thinadhoo
- 1 Boikotte Boli from each person in Thinadhoo
Ha Varu (Havaru or Six militia divisions)
Source:The Ha Varu were organized as two ranks of three divisions each:
Is Thin Varu Dhoshimeynaa VaruVelaanaa VaruHakuraa Varu
Fas Thin Varu Maafaiy VaruDhaharaa VaruFaamuladheyri 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.