Dholavira | 06 Mar 2025

Source: PIB

The President of India visited Dholavira, appreciating the technological advancements of the Harappan civilization. 

• Harappan (Indus Valley) Civilization: 
  • It was an urban civilization that flourished along the Indus River from around 3300-1300 BCE. It was discovered by John Marshall in the 1920s. 
  • Major sites of the Harappan civilization include Harappa, Mohenjo-daro, Banawali, Dholavira, Lothal, and Ropar.  
• Dholavira: 
  • It is located in Kutch (arid island of Khadir), Gujarat, is a significant archaeological site inhabited from 3000 BCE to 1800 BCE.  
    • It was discovered by Jagatpati Joshi in 1968.  
  • It is the fifth-largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization and lies between two seasonal streams, Mansar and Manhar.  
  • Archaeological findings include terracotta pottery, seals, ornaments, and evidence of metallurgy. It was a trade hub for copper, jewelry, and timber, with inscriptions in Indus Valley script.   
    • No human remains have been found at the site. 
  • Dholavira features a walled city with a fortified castle, middle and lower towns, and a cemetery.  
    • Its advanced water system includes 16 reservoirs and step wells. 
  • It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021.