Uppinakudru

Uppinakudru, is a small island located six kilometres north of Kundapura town in Udupi District of Karnataka.

Etymology

The island's name Uppinakudru comes from the two words in Kannada 'uppu' and 'kudru'. It means an island of salt or ''salty island.''

History

The island, isolated from the mainland of Kundapura, was accessible only by boats. During the reign of Tippu Sultan, Uppinakudru was a major arsenal. It was also through here that boats entered from the Arabian Sea and moved towards Basrur, which was a major trade centre up to the nineteenth century. A thick presence of coconut trees was to be found around the island, which effectively hid the island.

Learning centres

The village has three Anganwadis and a government higher primary school which was built in 1917. In 1992 a new school building was constructed.
A government high school was established in 1993.

Economy

Residents of the island largely depend on agriculture mostly growing paddy, peanuts and various types of dal. There is a milk collecting centre which also provides government-subsidised cattle feeds. Formerly, sugarcane was largely grown on the island but not anymore due to unreliable markets.

Local government

The island is administered as part of the Tallur Gram Panchayat.