Why in the News?
The PM has recently inspected the progress of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in the Ahmedabad district.
About National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal:
- Location: Lothal, Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, in the Bhal region near the Gulf of Khambhat.
- Developer: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, Government of India.
- Objective: To showcase India’s 5,000-year-old maritime history, especially the role of Lothal as the world’s earliest dockyard during the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Historical Significance of Lothal:
- Built around 2200 BCE as a major Harappan trade and craft centre for beads, gems, and ornaments.
- Lothal in Gujarati means “Mound of the Dead”, similar to Mohenjo-daro.
- Excavated by S.R. Rao (1955–1960).
- Dockyard confirmed through studies (size: 222 x 37 m), once linked with Sabarmati’s old course.
- Evidence of Lock Gates and Sluice System to regulate flow of water.
- Trade connections extended to Mesopotamia and other ancient regions.
- Nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site (2014); only known port-town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- Features of the Complex:
- Exhibition halls, maritime park, amphitheater, museum, and research/educational facilities.
- Will highlight ancient trade routes, shipbuilding traditions, and navigation techniques.
- Expected to be a major hub for cultural tourism and heritage education.
| [UPSC 2021] Which one of the following ancient towns is well-known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelling water into connected reservoirs?
(a) Dholavira*Â (b) Kalibangan (c) Rakhigarhi (d) Ropar |
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