Tenzin Chodon
Once a thriving Indus Valley city, Dholavira had impressive stone walls, reservoirs, and planned streets. Its decline reflects changing climate and dwindling water supplies.
Known for its ancient dockyard, Lothal was an important Harappan trading centre. Its merchants traded beads and other goods with distant civilisations across the seas.
At its peak, Vijayanagara was among the world's wealthiest cities, filled with grand temples, bustling markets, and royal complexes. The 1565 invasion left it devastated.
Linked to Lord Krishna in Hindu tradition, Dwarka has inspired centuries of stories about a magnificent coastal city. Underwater archaeological explorations have added intrigue to its past.
Immortalised in ancient Tamil literature, Poompuhar was a busy Chola-era port where merchants traded goods from distant lands before coastal changes transformed its fortunes.
Once the seat of mighty empires, Pataliputra shaped ancient India's politics, culture and learning. Today, its archaeological remains lie beneath parts of modern Patna.
Flooded by a dam reservoir, this ancient Buddhist hub’s monasteries and stupas were salvaged and rebuilt on a hilltop, now serving as a stunning island museum.