Gola Dhoro, located at Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat near Bagasara village, is a significant archaeological site belonging to Indus Valley Civilization. Spanning over an area of 50 metres, the site constitutes a small fortified area. Manufacturing sites and living quarters can be witnessed both inside and outside the fortified region. Evidences of flourishing craftsmanship have also been found here.
History of Gola Dhoro
Gola Dhoro site dates back to 2500-2000 BC and excavations in the region have been carried out since 1996 by the Maharaja Sayyajirao University, Vadodara. Firstly a unique Harappan seal, hollow from inside, was found here. Further research has established the presence of trade and manufacture in this region which has rendered a significant prominence to this small Harappan site owing to its contribution in developing the economy of Indus Valley Civilisation.
Artefacts Excavated in Gola Dhoro
Prominent artefacts excavated in Gola Dhoro comprise craft items of semi precious stones and shells, stone beads, articles of copper and faience, unicorn seal having a hollow space inside, copper knives having bone handles and other s eals.
Extensive amount of copper objects have been furnished in Gola Dhoro. An axe possibly used for recycling of precious metals, a copper vessel with eight bangles, a unique copper battle-axe known as `parashu` are some of the significant articles found here. The battle axe was quite small in size which suggests its utility in ritualistic purposes. Copper knives were found along with fish bones which establish their use for drying of fishes. Copper adhering clay crucibles have been discovered in heavily tampered condition which supports the possibility of their use for copper smelting. Huge black ware storage jars found here indicates that the people of this site were actively involved in overseas trade and these were utilized for the transport of goods to Magan, which is the present day Oman.
Harappan Seals in Gola Dhoro
Five steatite seals with inscriptions of unicorn on them have been found here. Such seals are very common among the excavations of urban centres of Indus Valley Civilization which were significantly used in trade activities. One of the seals has been found to have a deep scooped out cavity shaped in a rectangular socket pattern. However its use has not been deciphered yet. This unique seal has not recovered in any other sites of Indus Valley Civilization.
