In the lush, green expanse of Kerala’s Malappuram district lies a village that defies statistical odds. Kodinhi, with a population of about 2,000 families, is home to over 400 pairs of twins - a rate of 45 per 1,000 births. This is nearly five times higher than the national average of 9 per 1,000 and among the highest in the world.
What makes Kodinhi even more intriguing is that the phenomenon isn’t confined to the village alone. Women from Kodinhi who marry elsewhere often continue to have twins, and women who marry into the village sometimes start having twins too. This suggests that the cause might be more than just genetics.
Scientists have studied the village extensively, but no definitive explanation has emerged. Some researchers speculate that environmental factors, such as chemicals in the water, could be influencing the high twin birth rate. However, no conclusive evidence has been found to support this theory.
Despite the mystery, the people of Kodinhi have embraced their unique identity. In 2008, around 30 pairs of twins from the village formed the Twins and Kins Association, the first such association in India. The group aims to bring attention to issues peculiar to people of multiple births, such as those concerning their education and health.
Kodinhi has become a symbol of the unexpected wonders that nature can offer. While the world may look for scientific explanations, the villagers take pride in their unique distinction. In Kodinhi, being a twin is not an anomaly - it’s a way of life.