Archaeological Site
UNESCO World Heritage SiteCentrally Protected Monument of National Importance (ASI)
Dholavira: A Harappan City
धोलावीरा: एक हड़प्पा कालीन नगर
Ancient fortified bronze-age metropolis situated on Khadir Bet island in the Great Rann of Kutch. Features a tripartite layout: a fortified Castle, Bailey, Middle Town, and Lower Town, interconnected with the most sophisticated stormwater harvesting, stone reservoir, and underground drainage network of the ancient world.
Architectural & Historical Specifications
Dynasty / Historical PeriodIndus Valley Civilization (Mature Harappan Phase)
Builder / Commissioning RulerHarappan Civilization engineers and urban planners
Approximate Construction Periodc. 3000 BCE to 1500 BCE
Architectural StyleHarappan Urban Planning & Dry Masonry Stone Architecture
Preservation & Managing BodyArchaeological Survey of India (Vadodara Circle) & UNESCO
Historical Significance & Strategic Role
Inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021; yielded the famous 10-character giant Harappan Signboard inscription, stone-cut cascading water reservoirs, and monumental sandstone architecture.