On March 1, President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu visited Dholavira, the ancient Harappan city in Kachchh, Gujarat. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, located on the arid island of Khadir, is one of the most well-preserved Indus Valley Civilization settlements.
Why is Dholavira Significant?
- Architectural & Engineering Marvel: Showcases advanced town planning, water conservation systems, fortifications, and urban planning.
- Harappan Civilization (3000-1500 BCE): Excavations by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) (1990-2005) revealed seven cultural phases of habitation.
- Sophisticated Water Management: Unlike other Harappan sites near rivers, Dholavira’s location enabled rainwater harvesting, reservoir construction, and strategic resource utilization.
- Trade Hub: Connected to Magan (Oman) & Mesopotamian regions, facilitating trade in copper, shell, agate, carnelian, steatite, and lead.
UNESCO Recognition & Global Importance
- Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021
- Attracts archaeologists, historians, and scholars worldwide
- Evidence of multi-cultural and stratified society in the 3rd and 2nd millennia BCE
A Glimpse into Harappan Ingenuity
- Fortified city with a Castle, Bailey, and Ceremonial Ground
- Reservoirs for water storage and sustainability
- Cemetery with mostly memorial burials
(Source: PIB)
