Introduction

• Legend has it that Lodrani, a hamlet near Dholavira in Kutch, was believed to be sitting on buried gold, prompting locals to initiate a dig around five years ago.
• Contrary to expectations, the excavation led to the discovery of a fortified Harappan-era settlement, challenging the assumptions about the area’s history.

Archaeological Findings at Lodrani

• Harappan-Era Settlement: Ajay Yadav and Damian Robinson from Oxford’s School of Archaeology led the archaeological exploration, revealing a well-preserved Harappan settlement.
• Architectural Resemblance to Dholavira: Yadav notes striking architectural similarities between the newly discovered site, named Morodharo, and Dholavira.
• Flourishing Ancient Life: Despite being initially dismissed as a medieval fortress, the site unveils evidence of a thriving civilization dating back around 4,500 years.

Significance

• Harappan Pottery: The site yielded a significant amount of Harappan pottery akin to findings at Dholavira, indicating a connection between the two settlements.
• Chronological Placement: Experts suggest Morodharo exhibits characteristics of mature to late Harappan periods (2,600-1,300 BCE), shedding light on the region’s ancient chronology.

Insights from Archaeologists

• Dependence on the Sea: Both Dholavira and Morodharo depended on the sea, suggesting navigable waters near the Rann of Kutch during ancient times.
• Archaeological Fame: Despite false starts in the past, Lodrani now claims archaeological fame, highlighting the importance of local initiatives in uncovering historical treasures.

About Dholavira

Try this PYQ:

Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs?

(a) Dholavira (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar

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