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.
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.[2]
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.[3]
Thinadhoo was the wealthiest island in the country before it was forcefully depopulated and demolished entirely in 1962.[4] The rich merchants of the island were known to have assisted even the capital when in need.[5]
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).[6]
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.[7]
Long distance 100 to 200 dead-weight tonnage odi (ship) of Huvadu design type from the Southern Atolls.[8] The Odis were built in the Southern Atolls and operational until 1960s. Havaru Thinadhoo had 40 odis before they were discontinued and they were famous throughout the Indian Ocean.[9] Fully decked with deck-houses and large overhanging forecastle. Three-mast arrangement at the rig. A large main square-sail set atop a tall mainmast. Fore-and-aft gaff-sail set from the mizzen. Raking foremast carrying a square foresail well out over the bows.[8]
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 until the sultanate of Muhammad Mueenuddeen I.[10]
In addition to Thinadhoo there were 3 other islands undertaken by the Havaru. They were Kaadedhoo, Kannigili Kolhu and Kubbudu in Huvadhoo Atoll.[11]
During the time of Havaru, the island of Thinadhoo used Kaadedhoo for farming.[11]
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.
The Maldive boat Enamaa was carrying far more than its capacity of up to 126 when a wave overturned it. Twenty one people died with two missing when Enamaa capsized into the sea of Gaafu Dhaalu atoll on 17 March 2004.[12]
The Enamaa boat was traveling at nine and a half nautical miles per hour to Thinadhoo Island after watching the home team play a football match in Vilingili Island in Gaafu Alifu atoll.
