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Indian culture, which is unique in several ways, has an uninterrupted histdw. While
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dealing with Indian culture, one speaks of a rich plurality of cultural traditions, dndia-
is primarily a cultural heritage destination in tourism market. Not only in International
tourism but in domestic tourism also, Archaeology and its by-products remain the
prime attraction. People often plan their travel so as to have a feel of their cultural
heritage along with several other interests.

It is widely recognized that a knowledge and understanding of the origins and

development of human societies is of fundamental importance to humanity in
identifying its social and cultural roots. Basically an archaeological site constitutes the
record of past human activities, and in a way becomes most important area where
Archaeological heritage becomes operative as an attraction, the pull factor for the
tourists. Thus, Archaeological heritage sites comprise all vestiges of human existence
and consist of places relating to all manifestations of human activity.

Tourism with its basic element of movement stands for the possibility of
communication between differing civilizations and has served in this sense since its
first emergence. Tourism has always been an essential medium for broadening the
limits of human knowledge. From the very early times, main spring of the urge to
travel has been based on the cultural interest. Every type of civilization, from the most
sophisticated and advance to the most primitive is a source of attraction and curiosity
for mankind. Whereas, tourism on Archaeological Heritage sites can have aesthetic,
historic, social, scientific, economic and educational value.

Tourism on Archaeological Sites is important for various reasons:

1) It has positive economic and social impact,

2) It establishes and reinforces identity,

3) Culture and Heritage features are essential in building a country’s image.

4) It helps to preserve the Cultural and Archaeological heritage,

5) With culture as an instrument it facilitates harmony and understanding among

people.
 6). It supports culture and helps renew tourism.

Archaeological-Heritage resources have specific characteristics, which can act as a

positive element in the developing countries, especially India, which is a reservoir of
a great culture, unique in the world. Those developing countries that possess an
ancient civilization can benefit greatly from tourism, as many people would like to
enjoy the exotic. There will be greater urge on the part of the tourists to visit and
become acquainted with the ancient civilizations. The greater part if not the totality,
of the developing countries possess clearly determined and original characteristics
capable of attracting flows of tourists from developed countries who are in quest of
novel human knowledge. The main justification for Archaeological-Heritage tourism
is in fact not solely the cultural heritage alone but it also means the prospect of contact
with other civilizations. This entire process creates a powerful lever of motivation
towards travel.

The importance of research as a necessary condition of tourism development is far

from fully being appreciated. Tourism is no longer an activity of adventure restricted
to a few rich affluent and aggressive persons. It has assumed the status of a service of
mass acceptance. The importance of tourism in relation to its Archaeological-Heritage
needs special emphasis. It is rightly felt that a competitive tourist industry opens up
vistas to earn foreign exchange, also creates additional employment and raises
income. Tourism in 21st century must anticipate a future marked by changing global
relationships and societal structures, technological innovations and growing spatial
awareness. Change and change agents involved are powerful and positive forces if
harnessed constructively. Finally those responsible for the Archaeological-Heritage
must ensure that these places are used by the society in a ways that do not sacrifice
the values that makes the site significant.

The objectives of the present work are:

a. To get an insight of the Harappan Civilization and to see the extension of
it in Gujarat and incorporate multiple narratives, in an educational and
informative manner.

b. To discuss Archaeo-tourism within a framework of cultural tourism.

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 c. To discuss tourism on Archaeological sites and its benefits.

d. To identifying percentage of International and Domestic tourist influx in

India and evaluate trend in tourism going towards which stage.

e. To devise methods to tempt tourist for the site and proposing a future
model.

f. To find out weather touristic approach to Archaeology can give a boost to

employment and Indian economy.

GENERAL OUTLINE OF THE THESIS

Chapter 1: Introduction

This chapter explains tourism on Archaeological sites followed by the closer look of
origin and history of the word tourist and tourism. It also deals with the History of
tourism. This is followed by the development of tourism particularly in India.

Chapter 2: Gujarat: Physical, Environmental, Historical and Cultural Settings

This chapter presents detailed description of Physiography, Environment and the

people of the region followed by brief history from earliest times till May 1960 when
‘State of Gujarat’ was formed as the fifteenth State of the Indian Republic.

Chapter 3: Harappan Civilization

This chapter tries to look into the discovery, various terminologies, chronology,
geography and salient features of the Harappan civilization. Salient features deals
with the architectural pattern of the Harappan Civilization, town planning and layout
of the settlements, fortification, gates, streets, drainage network, houses and buildings,
water reservoirs and various arts and crafts. Finally the work tries to look into the
factors behind the expansion.

Chapter 4: Gujarat Harappans with Specific Reference to “Lothal and

Dholavira”

This chapter deals with the extension of the Harappan Civilization into Gujarat in
general and detailed summary of excavated sites under study; Lothal and Dholavira.

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Finally, it also talks about the present scenario of Lothal and Dholavira and the
amenities/ facilities available for the tourists.

Chapter 5: Cultural Heritage Tourism “Archaeo-Heritage Tourism”

This chapter deals with broad concepts of culture and heritage and also talks about
Cultural Heritage followed by the Cultural and Heritage tourism in India. Here, the
attempt is made to define Archaeo-Heritage tourism within the framework of Cultural
Heritage tourism.

Chapter 6: Analysis and Inferences

This chapter presents the analysis and inferences of the data obtained in the form of
questionnaire administered to domestic and foreigner tourists to determine the trend in
tourism and basic infrastructure facilities required by the person to visit a site.

Chapter 7: Outcome & Impact and Future model for “Archaeo-Heritage

Tourism”

This chapter deals with outcome and impact of tourism on Archaeological sites in the
form of cultural and socio-economic development of a nation, region and the society
and suggests the future model for the Archaeo-Heritage tourism.

Chapter 8: Economic Aspects

This chapter deals with the benefits of tourism on a Global level and in India.
Subsequently this chapter talks of cultural tourism and its contribution to local
economy, rising income levels, employment generation, diversification of local
economy, poverty alleviation, and sustainability of cultural tourism.

Chapter 9: Conclusion

This chapter summarises all the observations and indicates the significance of the
entire study.

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