Lothal

After the partition of India, historians and archaeologists were concerned as the remnants of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro fell into Pakistan's territory. There was a fear that these significant Indus Valley Civilisation sites could be destroyed. However, not all was lost, as this ancient civilisation extended beyond Sindh, reaching up to the Deccan plateau. One of the most intriguing sites, unearthed in the 50s, was the port city of Lothal. Let’s explore more about this fascinating chapter of history.

The Remnants of Lothal | Source: Rethinking The Future

The Indus Valley civilisation, often considered the cradle of Indian civilisation, is most notably marked by the remnants of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the oldest excavated sites in the region. The civilisation's influence stretched from the current Afghanistan border to Daimabad in Maharashtra state. After the partition of India, these two sites became a part of Pakistan, leading to false claims of a 4000-year-old heritage for the new nation. However, historians and archaeologists refute these claims, asserting that these sites reflect ancient India's history. Subsequent excavations, particularly in eastern India, support this, demonstrating similarities to the Indus Valley civilisation.

Lothal, one of the most famous sites, is located in Gujarat, on the banks of the Bhogava River, a tributary of the Sabarmati. Despite being one of the smallest Indus Valley civilisation sites, its historical significance is immense. Lothal is regarded as a mound, similar to Mohenjo-Daro. Currently about 20 kilometres from the sea, there was a time when boats and ships could reach Lothal via the Gulf of Khambat or Cambay. The site's name in Gujarati, meaning ‘mound of the dead,’ reflects the numerous human remains found there. Constructed around 2200 BCE, like Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, Lothal appears to have lasted longer and thrived in trade and commerce.

The Archaeological Survey of India first excavated Lothal in 1954, under Dr. Shikaripura Ranganatha Rao's leadership. The site's most distinctive feature is a dockyard, believed to be the world's first and oldest artificial tidal dock. The dockyard exhibits advanced engineering for its time. It was shaped like a trapezoid and had sluice gates and spill channels to maintain the water level. The gates could be opened or closed to increase the water level and the spillways facilitated the flow of excess water while draining the docks.

The Sluice Gate of Lothal Dockyard | Source: Outlook Traveller

Lothal's town area showcases advanced planning and infrastructure for a relatively small site. Excavations have revealed an ancient citadel, believed to house administrative buildings and a lower city where the ancient people resided. Unlike Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, the citadel in Lothal is nested within the city and lacks fortification.

The Lower City of Lothal | Source: harappa.com

Further excavations have revealed a bead factory that has a large courtyard surrounded by several smaller rooms. Another interesting discovery is a copper workshop with five furnaces and a paved sink, which implies that several coppersmiths could work there at the same time. Several fire altars were excavated which have been used for religious practices and instances of double burial have also been found.

Evidence of rice and cotton cultivation has been found. An ancient Persian seal discovered in Lothal signifies trade relations with multiple ancient Middle Eastern civilisations. Ancient Mesopotamian texts provide references to cotton traded from Lothal, known as Meluha in ancient times.

Double Burial Found at Lothal | Source: Tumblr

Despite the ravages of time, Lothal's remains reflect the resourcefulness and business acumen of its ancient inhabitants. Evidence from this site and subsequent excavations at Daimabad affirm the Indus Valley Civilisation's southern reach into the Deccan plateau. The Damibad bronzes signify the artistic brilliance that spread far beyond the centres of Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro. The discovery of an ancient chessboard considered the world's oldest, further underscores Lothal's significance and the brilliance of ancient India.

World's Oldest Chessboard | Source: vishwaguruindia.org