Unravelling the Hidden Truth from Vigukot in the Great Rann of Kachchh, Western India by Surface and Sub-Surface Mapping

The Vigukot Fort is in ruins lying along the northern fringe of the Great Rann of Kachchh, Gujarat, India This settlement is located on the left bank of the palaeochannel of the Nara river – a tributary of River Indus. We conducted Real Time Kinematics and Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) surveys for surface and subsurface. The digital elevation model (DEM) reveals an average elevation ranging from 2 to 4 m from mean sea-level. Two elevated areas: EA1 (site 1) and EA2 (site 2) represent residential areas in the township. EA1 located on higher ground (3–4 m amsl) in the eastern portion comprised of a housing complex of larger dimensions. Two rooms with an area of 650 and 250 sq. ft respectively, possibly indicative of living rooms attached with a courtyard suggest that highranked authorities occupied this portion of the township. EA2 with low-elevation (3 m amsl) marked by a smaller residential complex may be indicative of a trade complex along the western flank of the township. On the basis of 3D GPR survey we infer two levels of settlement at EA1 and one level of settlement at EA2. EA1 remained as a residential complex as reflected from both the levels, whereas EA2 was a trading complex close to the main gateway G1. Probably two scenarios prevailed: (1) Both areas flourished likewise at the first level and might have got disturbed by an earthquake; later EA1 may have been reoccupied while EA2 was left to be an open trading complex at the second level (recent). (2) During the first level of occupancy, EA1 was probably a residential complex (having enclosed walls), and EA2 might be the trading complex (with partially enclosed walls lying opposite to G1). Both the areas were affected during the disaster, and the second level of occupancy EA1 was rebuilt and occupied, whereas EA2 was used without renovation. Moreover, the 1819 earthquake probably destroyed both the areas completely and led to their abandonment.