|
|
Of all the Harappan sites, the site of
Dholavira locally known as Kotada, in the Khadir Island of
Kachchh, stands apart. It is remarkable
for its magnificent planning and enormity of area and deposit. On the
present showing, it is one of the two largest settlements in India and the
fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent, the others being Mohenjodaro,
Harappa, Gharo Bhiro (all in Pakistan) and Rakhi Garhi (in India).
Dholavira
enjoys the unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten
large-sized signs of the Harappa script, indeed the oldest signboard of
the world. A variety of funerary structures is yet another feature of
exceeding importance throwing light on the socio-religious beliefs,
thereby indicating the presence of composite ethnic groups in the Indus
population of Dholavira.
DISTINCT COMPLEXES
Dholavira, which presents a Harappan city par excellence, measures about
600m on the north-south axis and 775m on the east west. Inside the general
fortification, there are three distinct complexes: an acropolis, a middle
town and a lower town.
Additionally, the acropolis and the middle town had been further
furnished with their own defence-work, gateways, built-up areas,
street-system, wells and large open spaces. The city within the general
fortification accounts for 48 hectares. Besides, there are extensive
structure-bearing areas though outside yet intimately integral to the
fortified settlement. The total area goes well beyond 100 hectares in
expanse.
ACROPOLIS
Considerable pre-planning seems to have gone into the layout and
construction of the 'Acropolis'. It is the most carefully guarded as well
as impressive and imposing complex in the city of which it appropriates
the major portion of the southwestern zone.
The towering 'castle' stands majestically in fair insulation and is
splendidly defended by double ramparts. Nearly in the centre of each of
the eastern, western and northern sides of the double defenses, a big gate
is provided to give access to the 'castle' through a flight of steps.
MIDDLE TOWN
The embattled 'middle town' measures about 350 m east west and 180 to 200
m north south and rises to a height of 8.60m from the general ground
level. There were two or three more gates in the enclosure, which
facilitated intercommunication normally with the 'lower town' in the east
and the open spaces on other sides.
LOWER
TOWN
The built-up area of the 'lower town' occupies nearly 2/3 part of the
eastern half of the fortified city. It measures 300 m east-west and 350 m
north-south, approximately attaining the height of 7.50 m. Like the
'middle town', this too reveals a constructed area having several built up
projections and open recesses at least on the north east and south where
the latter merges with the general open area, which runs around.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: The nearest airport is Bhuj.
Road: The small village of Dholavira is approachable from Bhuj via
Rappar by a good road. There is a regular bus service plying on the road.
For travel
Agents & Tour Operators in Gujarat - Click here
NEAR
BY CITY
Bhuj: 140 kms (Approximately).