Archaeological studies at Dholavira using GPR

Abstract

A new area at an existing archaeological site of Harappan civilization at Dholavira, Gujarat, India has been studied using ground penetrating radar (GPR). An area of 12,276 m2 was surveyed using 200 MHz antenna at grid spacing of 2-3 m. The soil strata was found to extend mainly up to 3.5-4 m. The survey was conducted during the dry season to collect good signals. Post-processing was carried out to map the bedrock as well as archaeological features. A number of linear features were observed from the 3D image of the subsurface created from the acquired GPR profiles. Unlike residential structures, the large dimensions of these features indicate the likely existence of a series of water structures that may have partly collapsed due to floods at some point. There were some areas full of rubble next to the damaged walls that appeared to be orthogonal to the direction of possible flood from Manhar River.