President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu, today, visited the UNESCO World Heritage Site Dholavira in Gujarat. The site is located on the arid island of Khadir in Kachchh district. President expressed great appreciation for the meticulous conservation efforts carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India to preserve the heritage of the Harappan Civilization despite the site being located at a remote location.
Accompanied with Governor of Gujarat and other dignitaries, the President was deeply impressed by the sheer size and scale of Dholavira, noting that it would take at least three to four days to fully explore and understand the iconic site.
She expressed her admiration for the technological advancements of the Harappans, noting that in several aspects, they were more advanced than the present era.The Director General of the ASI, Shri Y. S. Rawat, along with other senior officials, had the privilege of guiding the Hon’ble President through the site, explaining the key discoveries and ongoing conservation and upgradation initiatives.
Dholavira, is one of the most significant and well-preserved archaeological sites in the subcontinent, showcasing architectural and engineering brilliance of the Harappan people. It showcases advanced town planning skills with sophisticated water conservation system, well-structured reservoirs, urban settlements etc.
With its inscription in the UNESCO World Heritage Site List in 2021, Dholavira has gained international recognition attracting scholars, archaeologists and history enthusiasts from around the world.The President’s visit to Dholavira reiterates the importance of creating awareness of its historical treasures and preserving India’s ancient heritage to the people.
The ancient site of Dholavira was excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India during 1990-2005 under the supervision of Dr. Ravindra Singh Bisht and yielded habitation in seven cultural phases from 3000-1500 BCE, adding new facets in the understanding of the Harappan Civilization and its relation with other Bronze age civilizations during the 3rd Millennium BCE.