India is known for its cultural diversity, traditions, and unique phenomena. One of the most fascinating mysteries that has captured the world’s attention is the village of Kodinhi, famously nicknamed the “Twin Village” because of its unusually high number of twin births.
What Is Kodinhi Village?
Kodinhi is a small village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, southern India. At first glance, it looks like an ordinary rural settlement. But anyone visiting will quickly notice something unusual: an astonishing number of twins living in the community.
It is estimated that there are more than 400 pairs of twins recorded in Kodinhi a figure far higher than the national average in India.
The Twin Birth Phenomenon in Kodinhi
Generally, the rate of twin births in India is around 9 twins per 1,000 births. In Kodinhi, however, the rate reaches 40–45 twins per 1,000 births and the number continues to grow year after year.
The phenomenon began to attract attention around 60–70 years ago. Since then, the number of twin pairs in the village has kept increasing, cementing Kodinhi’s reputation worldwide as the “Twin Village.”
Why Are There So Many Twins in Kodinhi?
The big question, of course, is: why are there so many twins in one small village?
So far, scientists have not found a definitive answer. Some theories include:
- Local genetic factors – possibly influenced by certain genes that increase the likelihood of twins.
- Environment and diet – some speculate that minerals in the water or local food may play a role, though no strong scientific proof exists.
- Natural phenomenon – interestingly, many women in Kodinhi give birth to twins even without a family history of twinning.
In short, the phenomenon remains a fascinating biological mystery worthy of further research.
Life in the Twin Village
The abundance of twins makes everyday life in Kodinhi full of unique stories:
- In schools, teachers often struggle to tell apart identical twin students.
- The villagers formed an association called TAKA (Twins and Kin Association) to document and support families with twins.
- Tourists, researchers, and international media frequently visit Kodinhi to witness this rare phenomenon firsthand.
An Unsolved Mystery
Despite numerous studies conducted by scientific institutions in India and abroad, the exact cause of the twin phenomenon in Kodinhi remains unknown. To this day, the village continues to be one of the most intriguing genetic mysteries in the world.
Conclusion:
Kodinhi in Kerala, India, is no ordinary village. With more than 400 pairs of twins and a birth rate far above the average, it has earned the title of “Twin Village.” Although the cause is still a mystery, Kodinhi is proof of the remarkable uniqueness and diversity of nature and human life.
