Oldest Civilization In India ....Dholavira

Dholavira : Oldest Civilization in India 

   
         Dholavira is an  archaeologica site in Bhachau Taluka of kutch district  in the state of Gujarat in western India, which has taken its name from a modern village 1 km (0.62 mi) south of it. Also known locally as Kotada timba the site contains ruins of an ancient Indus Valley Civilization/Harappan city. It is one of the five largest Harappan sites and most prominent archaeological sites in India belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization

Estimated to be older than the port-city of Lothal,the city of Dholavira has a rectangular shape and organization, and is spread over 100 ha (250 acres). The area measures 771.1 m (2,530 ft) in length, and 616.85 m (2,023.8 ft) in width. Like Harappa and Mohenjo-daro, the city is composed to a pre-existing geometrical plan, of three divisions – the citadel, the middle town and the lower town. The acropolis and the middle town had been further furnished with their own defence-work, gateways, built-up areas, street system, wells and large open spaces. The acropolis is the most carefully guarded as well as complex in the city of which it appropriates the major portion of the southwestern zone. The towering "castle" stands in fair insulation and defended by double ramparts. Next to this stands a place called 'bailey' where important officials lived.The city within the general fortification accounts for 48 ha (120 acres). There are extensive structure-bearing areas though outside yet integral to the fortified settlement. Beyond the walls, yet another settlement has been found.The most striking feature of the city is that all of its buildings, at least in their present state of preservation, are built out of stone, whereas most other Harappan sites, including Harappa itself and Mohenjo-daro, are almost exclusively built out of brick. Dholavira is flanked by two storm water channels; the Mansar in the north, and the Manhar in the south.

Reference :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dholavira