Question

Give a one-point difference between Dholavira and other Harappan cities.

Answer 1

Hint: Dholavira is an archaeological site at Khadirbet in Bhachau Taluka of the Kutch district situated in the state of Gujarat in western India. The site contains ruins of an ancient Indus Valley or Harappan civilization. Its location is on the Tropic of Cancer. It is one of the largest five Harappan cities.

Complete answer: Dholavira is said to be the most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization. The site was discovered in 1967-68 by J. P. Joshi of the Archaeological Survey of India. It has been under excavation since 1990 by the ASI. It is believed that Dholavira was an important centre of trade between settlements in South Gujarat, Sindh and Punjab along with Western Asia.
The difference between Dholavira and other Harappan cities is that the former was divided into three parts. Massive stone walls surrounded each part and entrances were made through gateways. There was a large open area in the settlement where several public meetings were held. In other Harappan cities, the carvings were made on small objects like seals whereas in Dholavira the carvings were made on white stones and inlaid in wood.

Note: One of the most significant discoveries made at Dholavira was in one of the side rooms of the northern gateway of the city and it is commonly known as the Dholavira Signboard. The inscription on the signboard is one of the longest in the Indus script. Also, a four sign inscription with large letters on sandstone is also found at this site and which is considered first of any such inscription on sandstone at any of the Harappan sites.