Of all the harappan sites the site of Dholavira locally known as kotada, in the Khadir island of Kutch, stands apart. It is remarkable for its magnificent planning and enormity of area and deposit. On the present showing, it is one of the two largest settlements in India and the fourth or fifth largest in the subcontinent, the others being Mohenjo-daro, Harappa, Gharo Bhiro (all in Pakistan) and Rakhigarthi (in India). No wonder, if it was the metropolis of the entire Kutch or even a larger area.

Dholavira enjoys the unique distinction of yielding an inscription of ten large-sized signs of the Harappan script: indeed the oldest sign-board of the world. A variety of funerary structures is yet another feature of exceeding importance throwing new light on the socio-religious beliefs, thereby indicating the presence of composite ethnic groups in the Indus population of Dholavira.

Dholavira which presents a Harappan city par excellence, measures about 600m. on the north-south axis and 775 m. on the east-west. Inside the general fortification, there are three distinct complexes-An Acropolis, a middle town and a lower town. In addition, the acropolis and the middle town had been further furnished with their own appertinent defence-work, gateways, built-up areas, street-system, wells and large open spaces. The city within the general fortification accounts for 48 hectares. Resides, there are extensive structure-bearing areas though outside yet intimately integral to the fortified settlement. If put together, the total area goes well beyond 100 hectares in expanse. Amazing indeed ! 

Considerable pre-planning seems to have gone into the layout and construction of the "ACROPOLIS". It is the most carefully guarded as well as impressive and imposing complex in the city of which it appropriates the major portion of the southwestern zone. The towering "castle" stands majestically in fair insulation and is splendidly defended by double ramparts. It admeasures about 140 m. along east-west and 120 m. north-south and registers a maximum height of more than 16 meters.

Nearly in the centre of each of the eastern, western and northern sides of the double defences a big gate is provided to give access to the "castle" through a flight of steps.

Middle Town :
The embattled 'middle town' admeasures about 350 m. east-west and 180 to 200 m. north-south and rises to a height of 8.60 m. from the general ground-level. There were two or three more gates in the enclosure which facilitated intercommunication normally with the 'lower town' in the east and the open spaces on other sides.

Lower Town:
The built-up area of the 'lower town" occupies nearly 2/3 part of the eastern half of the fortified city. It measures 300 m. east-west and 350 m. north-south, approximately attaining the height of 7.50m. Like the 'middle town' this too reveals a constructed area having several built-up projections and open recesses at least on the north east and south where the latter merges with the general open area which runs around.