Situated in the north west corner of the Khadir, a large island surrounded on all sides by the Great Rann of Kachchh, Dholavira is one of the two largest known Indus settlements in India. Though field work is still in progress, what is clearly brought to light, is a town plan of the mature Harappan civilization, which is unparalleled.

The site of Dholavira was discovered as recently as in 1967. Proper excavation began only in 1990. In its fully developed state, the settlement had three pronounced parts: The Citadel, Middle Town and Lower Town. All three were inter-linked with an eleborate system of fortifications. Ample evidence points to suburban habitation outside the fortification.

The entire complex was enclosed by outer walls. The intact northern and western walls measure 770 m & 616 m in length, respectively. Gaps indicative of gates have been noticed in the walls. At several places, there is evidence of square or rectangular bastions. The Citadel, measuring 300 m east to west and 140-160 m north to south, stands high in the south-western corner. Its complex has two fortified parts to its east and west. The castle has four gates. The ones on the western and southern sides are simple, while the ones on the east and the north have elaborate planning.

The Middle Town had its own fortification on three sides and shared the south wall- the fourth one- with the Citadel. An area of this densely occupied strata was kept vacant, most probably for state functions. Several Harappan houses on the south-eastern corner of the eastern arm of the Lower Town have been laid bare by the wholesale removal of earth for construction. The removed debris contain profuse Harappan material of the urban phase.

The most interesting discovery at Dholavira is the large inscription, comprising of ten letters in the Indus script. Each letter, engraved on carefully sliced pieces of crystalline material, is 35-37 cms in height. Another interesting finding is a damru-shaped part made from highly polished limestone.