Dholavira discover has increased the potential of Kutch for archaeological, historic and research-based tourism up to a great extent. The Archaeological Survey of India has been conducting large scale archaeological excavation since 1990 at Dholavira located in the island of Khadir in the salty marshes of the Great Rann of Kutch.

The 123.5 acres site has revealed advanced town planning, monumental as well as aesthetic architecture, an ingenious water harvesting system, the finest stone dressing, sophisticated technology, funerary architecture, lapidary and shell working, copper smithy and ceramic industries. The shreds of evidence suggest a nearly constant habitation from about 2900 to 1500 B.C in Dholavira and there are traces of powerful trade linkages with their contemporary Mesopotamians. The pride of place goes to the inscription of signboard comprising of ten Harappan large-sized letters painted on a wooden board in the citadel’s north gate, and to the recent finds of a headless stone monitor lizard, seals, sealings copper implements, stone beads, large reservoirs one having a damaged flight of 50 steps and another rock-cut are among the finds of excellent significance in the Harappan context.

The settlement had an extensive and remarkably sophisticated water supply system that included finely chiselled reservoirs, wells and rainwater tanks. A third of the city’s 50 hectares was devoted to the collection and distribution of freshwater. Planners developed the city on a slope, between two streams that even now run after a rainstorm. At the point where one of the streams meets the city walls, Dholavira’s inhabitants carved a large reservoir out of the rock. This was connected to an intricately engineered complex of large (the largest measuring 263 feet by 39 feet and 24 feet in depth) and small reservoirs that provided the entire settlement with a year-round supply of water. The giant reservoirs together held more than 325,000 cubic yards of water. These reservoirs were connected to wells that filled cisterns for drinking and bathing. A 4.25-m-wide well, the largest ever found in a Harappan ruin, leads through a spill channel into the citadel itself.

Similar to Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, Dholavira traces a parallelogram, encircled by a stone-and-brick wall 5 m thick at its base. Inside, the wall of the citadel is 18.5 m thick, while the so-called ‘middle town’ with spacious homes suggesting occupation by well-off traders, had its fortification. A developed public space of nearly 300 m by 50 m edges the citadel; Archaeologists hypothesise it to be a multi-purpose sports stadium, assembly arena and occasional bazaar. Farther out, a more densely packed colony of houses adjoins the middle town. Beyond the walls, yet another settlement has been found.

The city was a vibrant place. Most walls, roads, floors, and possibly even building roofs were likely constructed of pink-and-white clay. The well- preserved site has offered up a trove of Harappan artefacts–pottery, clay figurines and animals, beads made from lapis lazuli, gold, silver and shell, and the objects most associated with Harappan digs: weights and seals depicting bulls, unicorns and other beasts. In addition to these, excavations in a cemetery west of the city have uncovered tombs, idols, and ritual objects belonging to ethnic groups that practised a variety of religious rituals.

Around 2100 B.C. the culture began to show signs of decay: the citadel was abandoned, building repairs displayed shoddy workmanship and houses encroached on the well-planned streets. By around 2000 B.C. the city was abandoned, to be partially rehabilitated nearly 100 years later. The quality of artisanship crumbled still further, producing weights made not only of stone but also of pottery fragments. After abandoning it again the city appeared to be reoccupied around 1500 B.C., this time by rural folk who lived in circular houses similar to ones built by villagers today. About 50 years later, the site was abandoned for good. Scientists believe that floods and earthquakes may have doomed most of civilization. As for Dholavira itself, experts believe that the disruption of trade with war-torn Mesopotamia chipped away at the city’s economy, even as rapidly increasing aridity forced a return to a simpler lifestyle.

A wonderful and sophisticated town planned 4000 years ago is not only pride for India but is an asset for the whole world. It is a milestone in human civilization and an important heritage site. Dholavira therefore, in addition to normal tourists, can create immense interests for city planners, architects, civil engineers, archaeologists, geographers and for various professionals worldwide.