Dholavira, Archaeological site in Kutch, Gujarat, India.
Dholavira is an archaeological site in Bhachau Taluka, Gujarat, that preserves the ruins of an ancient city situated between two seasonal streams. The layout divides into several zones with residential quarters, workshops, and public buildings surrounded by massive stone walls.
People lived here for more than 1,700 years and expanded the settlement in several phases until it was abandoned around 1800 BCE. Excavations since the 1960s have uncovered structures that offer insight into the organization of an early urban society.
The location takes its name from a nearby village and now displays stone-built urban walls and open plazas once used for public gatherings. Visitors can view replicas of the famous signboard letters that were set into gateways, representing some of the oldest preserved inscriptions of their kind.
The grounds sit in a remote desert region, so visitors should bring enough water and sun protection. Paths between the ruins are mostly uneven, and sturdy footwear makes exploring much easier.
Archaeologists found here one of the world's oldest shell turtles, which may have served as a toy or ritual object. The grounds also include a massive stadium area whose exact purpose remains puzzling to this day.
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