Mul Dwarka (Kodinar)
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A small coastal village known as Mul Dwarka near Kodinar in the district of Junagad is one of the claimant of the original Dwarka of Mahabharata. The proximity with Junagadh hills on the north and sea on the south the town has been associated with Dwarka (Sankalia, 1966). An ancient temple is situated on a raised land close to the sea. The temple is in dilapidated condition and is not under worship. The shrine is dated to the post 10th century AD (Sampura, 1968).  A circular structure of about 4 m in height constructed with similar type of dressed limestone blocks as of the temple in situated close to ancient temple. Locally this structure is called as Diva Dandi (lighthouse). If this structure has served as lighthouse then this may be the oldest remains of lighthouse on the Saurashtra coast.  Local fishermen informed that a few anchors similar to those of Indo-Arabia type were present but now they have either buried under new port or other private buildings, which cannot be noticed. An ancient well was noticed which is still used for drinking water source near the jetty.
Kaj

Kaj is situated about 10 km east of Kodinar town on Dwarka and Bhavnagar highway. The ancient mound is situated further 2-3 km east of the present village. A large water body east of the mound was noticed which serves as fresh water sanctuary where Siberian birds visit annually. However, proximity to sea suggest that once this was an extended creek and during high tide sea water extended up to Kaj and further northern side. This has been reported earlier as a Late Harappan settlement (IAR, 1957-58:19).

The major part of the site is under cultivation and spread over a several hectares area. However an area of approximately 500 m X 500 m is fully preserved. The surface observation suggests a few house complexes. A large number of pottery spread all over the area. The collection during the explorations yielded a large number of pottery of Harappan period including bowls.  

Interestingly, in one of the agriculture fields a handle of an amphora was collected and a lower part of an amphora (which was found during digging of a well in the field), which served as water storage for washing hand in the field before we brought to NIO.  Other stone artifact worth to mention here is a ring stone type anchor, which was noticed just before entering to the site. This is about 50 cm in height and diameter of the same dimension with a hole through in the middle. This is very similar to those reported from Dwarka and Somnath. With the discovery of such artifacts, it is imperative to believe that Kaj was a Harappan port town and later it was an important Indo-Roman trading center on the Saurashtra coast.  Morphological changes have occurred over the last several centuries, which led to abandonment of the port.
Kanjetar

There are two mounds in the coastal village of Kanjetar. 1. Situated on the eastern side of village where a temple dedicated to Mahakali is situated. The exploration brought an early historic settlement. An ancient rock cut step well was also noticed near this settlement which may be contemporary the site. While surface exploration a terracotta wheel of toy cart with projection for hub was also noticed. Other mound (of Harappan phase) of Kanjetar is situated about 2 km west of the village. Entire mound is under cultivation. A large number of pottery has been collected confirming as bronze age settlement.  Local residents of the area revealed that in the course of digging for the foundation of houses a large number of pottery and structures were encountered. In archaeological literature Kanjetar has been mentioned as a Harappan port on the mid Saurashtra coast. The possibility of being a port is existed as the site might have been approached through sea route via a tidal river. Perhaps a small-scale excavation at the site may reveal some evidence related to the port.

A tidal river flows on the eastern side of the village Kanjetar and at present it is blocked by a sand bar. The seabed off the river mouth is comprised of sandy and rocky patches and very similar to that found at Dwarka, Miyani and Visawada. The exploration revealed an Indo-Arabia type stone anchor from a water depth of 4 m. This is a broken and only it’s upper portion was traced. It has an upper circular hole. The anchor is made out of limestone.    The anchor is very similar to those reported from other sites on the Saurashtra coast.
 

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