Once upon a time these cities were the power hubs of ancient civilizations or prosperous centres under medieval kings. However, no matter how high and mighty, everyone has to bow before time. Today, these cities are shadows of their past but still beckon to the curious traveller.
1,DWARKA
Now archaeologists and Indian Navy divers are investigating underwater ruins at Dwarka on India's western coast, said to be Krishna's city. The new efforts, it is hoped, will settle the debate currently raging over the age and authenticity of the site near the Samudra Narayana temple. Divers have collected blocks and samples which will now be dated. Traditional Hindu scholars referencing ancient Hindu scriptures believe the location to be very ancient, originally built 12,000 years ago.
2. LOTHAL
Lothal is one of the most important city of Indus Valley Civilization. Located in the state of Gujarat. Dating from 2400 BC, this lost city is one of India’s most important archaeological sites from the Indus Valley era.
It was discovered in 1954 and excavated between 1955 and 1960 by the Archeological Society of India (ASI); renewed excavations in 1961 The massive structures of the city have been badly damaged by floods and other decaying process, however dwarfed walls, platforms, wells, drains, baths and paved floors are still visible.
It was discovered in 1954 and excavated between 1955 and 1960 by the Archeological Society of India (ASI); renewed excavations in 1961 The massive structures of the city have been badly damaged by floods and other decaying process, however dwarfed walls, platforms, wells, drains, baths and paved floors are still visible.
The Dock at Lothal
Lothal draws fame and recognition for being the site of the world’s earliest dock. It was an essential segment of the trade route between West Asia and Africa. Lothal is also known for the earliest depictions of realism in art and sculpture, and for being 2,000 years ahead of the Greeks in its citizens’ navigation savvy. Techniques and tools used for bead-making and metallurgy are still used today, 4,000 years later.
3,KALIBANGAN
Kalibangan was a major provincial capital of the Indus Valley Civilization. Kalibangan is located on the southern banks of the Ghaggar (Ghaggar-Hakra River) in the Hanumangarh district of Rajasthan state.. The excavation of the city started in 1969.Kalibangan is distinguished by its unique fire altars and “world’s earliest attested ploughed field”.
What archeologists found were two mounds representing two phases of settlement: the first between 3500 BC and 2500 BC and the second between 2500 BC and 1750 BC. Evidence points to an earthquake around 2600 BC that brought an end to the first settlement while the second settlement was believed to have been abandoned because of a dried up river.The western mound, known as the ‘Citadel’ can be seen here in the ruins of Kalibangan.
What archeologists found were two mounds representing two phases of settlement: the first between 3500 BC and 2500 BC and the second between 2500 BC and 1750 BC. Evidence points to an earthquake around 2600 BC that brought an end to the first settlement while the second settlement was believed to have been abandoned because of a dried up river.The western mound, known as the ‘Citadel’ can be seen here in the ruins of Kalibangan.
4. PATTADAKAL
Pattadakal is a town located on the banks of the Malaprabha River in Bagalkot district Karnataka state.The group of ten 8th-century CE monuments includes majestic temples, a monolithic stone pillar and a Jain sanctuary.
The monuments at Pattadakal are an architecture buff’s dream, representing various Hindu temple styles and created by ancient kings and queens over two centuries.It is now a World Heritage site and a very popular tourist destination. Jain Narayana Temple,The best known is the Virupaksha temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi (Trilokya Mahadevi) in 745 to commemorate her husband’s victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi.
The monuments at Pattadakal are an architecture buff’s dream, representing various Hindu temple styles and created by ancient kings and queens over two centuries.It is now a World Heritage site and a very popular tourist destination. Jain Narayana Temple,The best known is the Virupaksha temple, built by Queen Lokamahadevi (Trilokya Mahadevi) in 745 to commemorate her husband’s victory (Vikramaditya II) over the Pallavas of Kanchi.
5,POOMPUHAR
The Ancient city of Poompuhar was once a flourishing port city known as Kaveripattinam,which for a while served as the capital of the early Chola kings in Tamilakam(Tamil Nadu). Located on the mouth of the Kaveri river in Sirkali Taluk of Nagapattinam District., much of the town was washed away by a powerful sea storm in 500 AD. Later pottery dating back to 4th and 5th century was discovered on the shore of the town.7th century texts have described the town as a thriving city with many high rise buildings and also a city where the coronation of the Chola kings was held from time to time.
The port town of Kaveripoompattinam has been mentioned in the temple inscriptions, ancient literature and travelogues by different names like Kaganthi, Sampathi, Palapukaz, Moothur, Mannagathu, Vanpathi, Cholapattinam Kabaris Emporiam, and Kolappattinam.
There are frequent references to the important port town in ancient Tamil literature like Akananuru, Purananuru, Pattinappalai Pathitrupathu, Muthollayiram, Silappadikaram, Manimekalai, Tevaram, Thiruthondar Puranam and Nandhikalampagam. Ancient pali literature like Milindapanha, Budha Jathaka Kathakal, Abithama avathar and Buthavamsagatha, travelogues of periplus, and merris Erithroy contain the reference to this ancient town. Ptolemy and Plini also mention Poombuhar in their writings.
6,VIJAYANAGAR
Vijayanagara, the capital of one of the largest Hindu empires ever, was founded by Sangama dynasty princes Harihara and Bukka in 1336. Its power peaked under Krishnadevaraya The golden years of this Indian realm lasted about 20 years, from (1509-29), when it controlled nearly the whole of the peninsula south of the Krishna and Tungabhadra rivers.
Comparable to Delhi in the 14th century, the city, with an estimated population of half a million, the city itself covered 33 sq km and was surrounded by several concentric lines of fortification. Its wealth derived from the control of spice trade and the cotton industry. Its busy bazaars, described by travelers such as Portuguese Nunez and Paes, were centers of international commerce. The empire collapsed after the battle of Talikota in 1565 when the city was ransacked by the confederacy of Deccan sultans (Bidar, Bijapur, Golconda, Ahmednagar and Berar), thus opening up southern India for Muslim conquest.
The ruins are set in a strange and beautiful boulder strewn landscape with an almost magical quality. The undisputed highlight, the 16th century Vittala Temple, is a World Heritage Monument. Started by Krishnadevaraya, it was never finished or consecrated; its incredible sculptural work is the pinnacle of Vijayanagar art. The outer pillars are known as musical pillars as they reverberate when tapped. An ornate stone chariot in the temple courtyard containing an image of Garuda.
7. SURKOTADA
The site of Surkotada is located 160 km north-east of Bhuj in the district of Kutch, Gujarat. The ancient mound is surrounded by sandstone hills covered with red laterite soil, giving the whole area a reddish brown colour, where only cacti, small babul and pilu trees and thorny shrubs exist.The mound was discovered in 1964 by Shri Jagat Pati Joshi of the Archaeological Survey of India.
Surkotada was occupied for an uninterrupted period of 400 years beside a large river 750 m wide (now a tiny stream) that flowed past the northeastern side of the site. The first period lasted from 2100 BC – 1950 BC; the second phase, from 1950 BC – 1800 BC, brought a new wave of people, marked by new types of pottery and instruments.
This phase ended with a large fire, bringing in the final phase, from 1800 BC – 1700 BC. While most of the Indus Valley Civilization has decayed or died out by 1700 BC, Surkotada was still functioning as a mature, civilized city.
8,VASAI
Vasai is located about 50-km North of Mumbai, Maharashtra,and now it is a part of Vasai-Virar city former capital (1533-1740) of the Northern Provinces of Portuguese India The Portuguese formerly called it Bassein (Baçaim) and then by the British, it also had various other names during the course of history.
The town is historically important too. It was part of the territory of the Hindu Devgiri Yadavas until 1317; later it became a seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings.
The town is historically important too. It was part of the territory of the Hindu Devgiri Yadavas until 1317; later it became a seaport for the Gujarat Muslim kings.
In 1526, the Portuguese established a fort (now in ruins) and a trading station, and the town became known for its shipbuilding industry. After frequent but unsuccessful attacks by the Mughals in the 17th century, it fell to the Marathas in 1739 and was later taken by the British. Vasai during the Portuguese period was known for the refinement and wealth and splendor of its buildings, palaces and for the beauty of its churches.
9. MUZIRIS
Muziris is the Greek-Roman name for an ancient port-city located on the Malabar Coast on the banks of river Periyar in Kerala South India. Although there has been confusion as to the location of the port, it is generally known to be located somewhere in the southern and southwestern region of India, possibly around the ancient town of Kodungallur, In early 2004, archeological findings in Pattanam revealing remnants of Roman commerce led researchers to believe that the ancient Muziris was located in this modern-day city.
The findings suggest that South India actively traded international goods with West Asia, the Near East and Europe through the port at Muziris. The ancient name of Pattanam is believed to be Maliankara, where Thomas the Apostle is said to have landed.Muziris is believed to be an internationally acclaimed ancient port city of India, as archeologists have discovered various artifacts belonging to countries like Egypt, Yemen, Roman and West Asia.
The excavation carried out from 2004 – 2009 revealed about the exact location of the place.It is unknown as to when the port was created, though scientists agree that it likely existed before 1500 BC and that it was a major trade centre by 500 BC; it is believed the city was likely wiped out by an earthquake in the mid-13th century CE.
Roman map of India showing Muziris on the east coast.
10, DHOLAVIRA
It is one of the most prominent and largest archeological site in India. It is the fifth largest Harappan site in the Indian subcontinent. The Harappan site at Dholavira has been discovered by Shri Jagat Pati Joshi in 1967-68.The site has been under excavation almost continuously since 1990 by the Archaeological Survey of India.
under the directions of Dr R.S. Bisht. Of all the Harappan sites, Dholavira, locally known as Kotada in dist Kutch,Gujarat, stands apart. Located in an Island called Khadir, this major Harappan city is in the Indo-Pak sub continent.The excavation of the site brought in light the sophisticated planning and organized architecture of the area. and amazing water management system.
The site includes reservoirs, step well, and various other antiquities such as seals, beads, animal bones, gold, silver, terracotta ornaments and vessels. Besides it has provided a long succession of rise and fall of the Harappan Civilization. Dholavira now enjoys a unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten large sized Harappan characters, which indeed is the oldest signboard in the world. A variety of funerary structures are yet another significant discovery, indicating the presence of composite ethnic groups in the indus population of Dholavira.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_jdTjRcZZrs
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