Alipur, South India

Alipur: A Small and Unique Village in South India

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 gained attention in the 18th century after Syed Mustafa Hussain and Abidi Sadat, following the downfall of Adil Shahi kingdom of Bijapur, who migrated from Bijapur, Syed Mustafa Hussini and his wife Bathoola chose to settle here and worked with the people of Alipur to lay the foundation of the first mosque, graveyard, and congregation hall for Twelver Shia Muslim commemoration ceremonies.

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. As such, the name Alipur translates to “the city of Ali,” a testament to its rich history and cultural significance in the Shia community. This etymology reflects the village’s strong connection to the teachings and legacy of Imam Ali (A.S), making it a place of special importance to the Shia community.

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.

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.

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.

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