The Village Of Twins in Kerala
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a twin? Someone who looks exactly like you, shares your birthday and has a special bond with you. Well, for the people of Kodinhi, a village in Kerala, India, having a twin is not a rare occurrence but a common phenomenon.
Kodinhi is a remote and sleepy village in the Malappuram district of Kerala, which remains a mystery for researchers. There is the most significant number of twins in this village. According to statistics, there are at least 400 pairs of twins in this village. The population of the town is 2000 families. The number of pairs of twins goes on increasing every year.
In this village, the average of twin births is as high as 45 in 1000 births while in national average is around 9 in 1000 births. This is one of the highest in the world. But is there a scientific explanation for this?
The Mystery of Twins
Researchers have been trying to unravel the mystery behind the high rate of twin births in Kodinhi for years. In October 2016, a team of researchers from various institutions, including Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies, Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, and University of London and Germany, visited Kodinhi to collect DNA samples and conduct genetic studies.
However, there is no conclusive evidence yet to explain this phenomenon. Some doctors have suggested that it could be due to genetics, environmental factors, diet or even something in the air or water of the village. But none of these theories have been proven.
Some possible factors that could influence twin births are:
- Age: Older women tend to have higher chances of conceiving twins
- Height: Women who are taller than 5ft 3in may have more twin births
- IVF: Artificial insemination can increase the likelihood of multiple pregnancies
- Diet: Some foods or nutrients may stimulate ovulation or implantation
- Genetics: Some genes may predispose women to have twins
However, none of these factors seem to apply to Kodinhi. The women of this village marry in their late teens and start their families soon after. Their height is around 5ft on average. They do not undergo IVF treatment due to the high cost. Their diet is similar to other communities in the region. And their genetic makeup does not show any unusual variations.
The Culture of Twins
The people of Kodinhi are proud of their twin heritage and celebrate it with joy. They have formed a Twins and Kin Association (TAKA) to provide support and assistance to the twins and their families. They also organize an annual festival called Twins Day where they gather and showcase their unique identity.
The twins of Kodinhi share a special bond with each other and often have similar personalities, interests and hobbies. They also face some challenges such as being confused with each other, being compared or discriminated against or having identity issues.
The villagers have developed some techniques to tell the twins apart such as hairstyles, birthmarks or accessories. They also give them different names or nicknames to avoid confusion.
The Wonder of Twins
Kodinhi is not the only place in the world where twins are abundant. There are other villages such as Igbo-Ora in Nigeria, Hung Loc Commune in Vietnam and Candido Godoi in Brazil where twin births are also very high. However, Kodinhi stands out for its remarkable consistency and longevity of this phenomenon.
The twins of Kodinhi are a wonder of nature and a source of fascination for many. They are also a testament to the diversity and beauty of human life.
If you ever visit Kerala, don't miss the chance to see this amazing village and meet its extraordinary inhabitants.
Source
(1) Unbelievable! A Mystery of The Twins Kodinhi Village, Kerala. https://mysterioustrip.com/twins-kodinhi-village-kerala/.
(2) This village in Kerala has over 400 pairs of twins. No one knows why. https://www.cntraveller.in/story/village-kerala-kodinhi-400-pairs-twins-no-one-knows/.
(3) Twin Village: Kodinhi, A Mysterious Village Where 200 pair of Twins .... https://www.indiatimes.com/trending/social-relevance/twin-village-kodinhi-550087.html.
(4) The Tale of Twins at Kodinhi, Kerala - Amazing World Reality. https://www.amazingworldreality.com/2018/01/the-tale-of-twins-at-kodinhi-kerala.html.
0 Comments