Desalpur archaeological site or `Gunthli` is a portion of the Indus Valley Civilization which is situated at Nakhtrana Taluka, Kutch District in Gujarat. The region exists about 25 kms from Bhuj and measures about 130 metres by 100 metres, based on the northern banks of Bamu-Chela, which was once an erosive stream near Dhrud River. Excavations have been conducted at Desalpur by the Archaeological Survey of India during the period from 1963. Vast areas of the ancient town of Harappa had been eroded by the river which joined the Rann of Kutch, over the past 3000 years. Archaeological observations have concluded that the erosion is still currently existent, especially during the monsoon.
A particular structure which was previously discovered exposed was found to be a kiln and about two cultural periods are identified including the early historic period and also the Harappan Civilization, from the remnants of Desalpur. In those days, houses were constructed adjoining the surface of the defensive or reinforcement wall. Such a plan was followed to protect the homes from floods, rather than merely for the purpose of ordinary defence mechanisms.
Archaeological Remains at Desalpur
Various instances of Harappan pottery-ware have been unearthed from Desalpur, besides some ancient `glazed ware`, a particular form of pottery craft at the lowest levels of the civilization of Mohenjodaro. They were thin grey wares which were decorated with lines of bluish-green pigment, which were beautiful paintings. Terracotta seals, copper seals, steatite seals and two scripts engraved with seals have also been discovered from this part of the country. Other artefacts found include ceramic wares, beads composed of semi precious stones, faience, copper arrowhead, chert blades and others.
It is said that reserved slip ware belongs to Mesopotamia. Two polychrome wares, one adorned with white, purple and black designs and the other painted in shades of sepia are also available here. Archaeologists have discovered that these artefacts are quite similar to those found in the Harappan sites in Sindh, which suggest that the Harappans of Kutch and Sindh freely interacted amongst each other. Desalpur is considered to be amongst the most significant archaeological sites in Gujarat.
