Introduction
Alipur is a small and unique village that offers visitors an unparalleled experience. Situated in India, far removed from Iran and the mainstream Shia culture of the country, the village stands out for its distinct character. The majority of its inhabitants are Shia Muslims, numbering over 30,000, while Hindu and Christian populations form a minority. The residents of Alipur follow the tenets of their faith, which shape their way of life.

Alipur is known as the “Gems Village of South India,” and its moderate climate makes it a pleasant place to visit throughout the year. The village is surrounded by seasonal crops such as maize, sunflower, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, it is home to coconut, mangrove, areca nut, and timber trees.

Overall, Alipur is a unique and fascinating village that offers a glimpse into the lives of its inhabitants and their faith-based culture.

Location and Connectivity
Situated off highway SH94, Alipur is 55 km away from Kempegowda International Airport and 70 km from Bengaluru. It is well-connected by road to nearby towns and cities such as Bengaluru, Doddaballapura, Gauribidanur, Hindupur, and Tumkur.

Religious Diversity and Harmony
Alipur is a village that celebrates religious diversity and harmony. It boasts of architectural marvels like mosques, Ashur khanas, temples, and a church. In recent years, it has become an educational hub of the district, with several schools and colleges located within the village. Despite having a diverse population of Hindus, Christians, and other small Muslim sects, the villagers live peacefully with a mutual understanding of their respective religious associations.

It is worth noting that Alipur does not have a police station, and instead, the supreme body Anjuman e Jafria resolves issues according to the by-laws founded by the patrons of Alipur in 1930 and it was headed by Maulana Abbas Hussain Baqri Sahib. This body (Anjuman e Jafria), which changes every three years, has one president and secretary with members assigned to manage the different departments of Alipur. The by-laws were written by Mr. Late Mir Musthaq Ali while following Islamic rules and the Indian constitution, and they serve as the guiding principles for the functioning of the alipur.

Surrounding of Alipur
Alipur is surrounded by small villages such as Bevinahalli, Gedare, Kallinayakanahalli, and Thondebhavi Hobli. The nearby towns and cities include Bengaluru, Doddaballapura, Gauribidanur, Hindupur, and Tumkur.

The village enjoys a pleasant and moderate climate throughout the year and is famous for its production of gems and livestock. The vegetation in the village consists mainly of seasonal crops such as maize, sunflower, pulses, vegetables, and fruits, and secondarily coconut, mangrove, areca nut, and timber.

History 
Alipur’s significance began in the late 17th century, following the fall of the Adil Shahi Kingdom of Bijapur in 1686. Many Shia Muslims migrated to various places, including Thyamagondlu, Dobbespet, Doddaballapur, Tumkur, Bengaluru, Shimoga, Karimpura, Kamlapur, Sira, Narasipura, Bidar, Mysore, Chennai, Hyderabad, Manchar, Mumbai, and other parts of India. Among them was Moulana Syed Mustafa Hussain, a respected Islamic scholar, who was accompanied by his wife, Syeda Bathoola Begum, and several others.

Moulana Syed Mustafa Hussain initially intended to move to Sira in Tumkur district. During their journey, along with several others, they found a peaceful place where they decided to settle after performing Istikhara (a prayer for guidance). Moulana Syed Mustafa Hussain worked hard to grow the village. He laid the foundation for the first Masjid (Masjid-e-Jafria), the graveyard (Behest-e-Ali [A.S.]), and the Hussainiya Ashur Khana (congregation hall for Twelver Shia Muslim commemoration ceremonies). Moulana Mustafa Hussain invited Shia Muslims from around Karnataka to settle in Alipur, aiming to establish it as a central hub for Shia Muslim communities in the state. Moulana Syed Mustafa Hussain is now remembered as the founder of Alipur, marking the beginning of its development into a thriving community.

In the 18th century, the village of Alipur was known as Belligunta and was predominantly inhabited by Shia Muslims. Later, the village was renamed Alipur, with “Ali” referring to Imam Ali (A.S.), and “Pur” meaning “city” in Sanskrit. Thus, the name Alipur translates to “the city of Ali,” a reflection of its rich history and cultural significance within the Shia community. This etymology highlights the village’s deep connection to the teachings and legacy of Imam Ali (A.S.), making it a place of special importance to the Shia faithful.

In the 19th century, the famous scholar Sadr-ul-ulma Allama Gulam Hussain Baqri visited Alipur village and sent his favorite student, Moulana Asadullah Baqri, to develop society. He worked with the people of Alipur village to lay the foundation of Anjuman-e-Jafria, an influential welfare association that controls mosques and Ashur khana.

Today, Alipur is the center of the Shia community in South India. Alipur is a historic village that has played a significant role in the development of South India.

Syed Mustafa Hussain Circle
Syed Mustafa Hussain Circle is a key intersection in Alipur, connecting four main roads: Arodi, Kamaganahalli, Tondebhavi, and the Alipur entrance. This circle is named in honor of Moulana Syed Mustafa Hussain, who is remembered as the founder of Alipur. The official registration of the circle took place on September 20, 2011, during the presidency of Mohsin Hussain in the Gram Panchayat.

Imam Khomeini Road
IK Main Road, also known as Imam Khomeini Road, is a prominent thoroughfare in Alipur village. This road derives its name from the visit of Ali Hosseini Khamenei in 1981 and has since become a recognizable landmark in the area. As a vital transportation artery for the local community, it facilitates easy movement and accessibility to important destinations in and around the village.

Imam Ali (A.S) Road
In 2019, Syed Zamin Raza, a former TPS member, along with his friends, led the development of Imam Ali (A.S) Road. The road was named in honor of Imam Ali (A.S), recognizing his legacy of wisdom, justice, and community service. This naming serves as a meaningful tribute for a road that now connects and supports the people of Alipur. This 50-feet wide bypass road connects Alipur to Doddaballapur Road (Highway Road). The road’s creation was a community effort, with 95% of Alipur’s residents generously donating their land for the project. The remaining 5% of the land was secured through contributions facilitated by Syed Zamin Raza to ensure its completion. Today, the road stands as a crucial route for the village, significantly improving connectivity and access for all residents. 

Development
Alipur, a village located in India, has gained recognition for its ongoing efforts towards infrastructure development and business growth. The supreme body of the village, Anjuman e Jafria, has played a crucial role in ensuring that the infrastructure is aligned with the needs of the growing population.

As a result of these efforts, Alipur has become a rapidly developing village with modern amenities and improved infrastructure. Notably, the village is home to a number of large and luxurious bungalows renowned for their unique architecture and design. These bungalows stand as a testament to Alipur’s progress and development and are a source of pride for the community. Overall, the village’s dedication to improving its infrastructure and business opportunities is a positive sign of its continued growth and success.

Gems and Livestock
Alipur is known as the ‘Gems Village of South India’ due to its reputation for producing gems and also for its livestock. The village has several freshwater tanks and is dotted with architectural marvels such as mosques, Ashur khanas, temples, and a church.

Alipur has become a must-visit destination for those in the gems business. The village’s traders have steadily increased their gem stocks over the years, and people from all over the world now come to Alipur to do business.”

International Trade and Business
Alipur, a village once dependent on agriculture, discovered Corundum Ruby in a nearby village in 1972. A group of individuals, after gaining knowledge about the market for Corundum Ruby, started the Ruby business in Alipur. Today, Alipuris have migrated to countries around the world, where they are successful small business owners and have obtained citizenship. The Alipur International Traders Association (AITA) was established in 2003 to regulate international trade and support the people of Alipur.

Alipur has transformed into a thriving hub of business activity, with numerous enterprises catering to the needs of the local populace and beyond. In recent years, the village has emerged as a key economic center, with neighboring villages increasingly relying on its businesses for a wide range of goods and services, including groceries and other essentials.

Conclusion
Alipur is a unique village focused on improving its infrastructure and business opportunities while maintaining its culture and religious harmony. Visitors can experience a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates diversity and has a rich history.

Disclaimer and Contact Information
The information provided on this page has been written by the team at AMC to the best of our knowledge. We strive to ensure accuracy and completeness, but if you have any suggestions or would like to provide feedback or corrections, please feel free to contact us by clicking here.