PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
WBPSC Miscellaneous Preliminary 2019
Answer
Dholavira
Explanation
The largest known inscription of the Indus Valley Civilization was discovered at the archaeological site of Dholavira. It is commonly referred to as the 'Dholavira Signboard'. It consists of 10 unusually large Indus script characters, made of white gypsum, which were likely set into a wooden board. Archaeologists believe it was displayed above the northern gateway of the city's citadel. Dholavira is located in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
Key Points
- > Dholavira is situated on Khadir Bet island in the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat.
- > Unlike most Harappan cities which were divided into two parts, Dholavira was uniquely divided into three parts (citadel, middle town, and lower town).
- > The site is globally renowned for its highly sophisticated water conservation system and giant reservoirs.
- > In 2021, Dholavira was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (India's 40th).
- > Mohenjodaro is famous for the 'Great Bath', and Kalibangan yielded evidence of a ploughed field.
Additional Information
Key IVC Sites & Major Discoveries
| Site Name | River | Major Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Harappa | Ravi | Granaries, Coffin burials |
| Mohenjodaro | Indus | Great Bath, Bronze dancing girl |
| Kalibangan | Ghaggar | Ploughed field, Fire altars, Camel bones |
| Lothal | Bhogava | Artificial Dockyard, Rice husks |
| Dholavira | Luni | 10-letter Signboard, Water reservoirs |
Memory Tips
- Dholavira's Unique Traits: It's famous for 3 things – Water management, the Signboard, and being divided into 3 parts instead of 2.