Looking for the Harappan Ports around Dholavira, Khadir Bet, Kachchh, Gujarat

Abstract

The rise of Harappan settlement at Dholavira is attributed to multidimensional factors which may include industrial activities, overseas trade and commerce and distribution of resources available in the Kachchh to other parts of the Harappan domain. The very location of the site is highly intriguing because presently the area is surrounded by marshy land which is called as Rann of Kachchh. However, various studies have indicated the different environmental and morphological conditions in the area and have been suggested that during Harappan time Rann was navigable. Though there is a remote possibility of any port installation close to ancient Dholavira town but a few potential sites in the proximity such as Jhandiasar, Saran and Bambhanka might have played a decisive role in the rise of Harappan settlement at Dholavira. The present study is based on the preliminary surface exploration undertaken in the recent past at above-mentioned sites.