The article delves into the history of the Indus Valley Civilization which holds enormous significance as an ancient civilization and its connection to the present. It has recently been in the news due to the construction of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) site at Gujarat’s Lothal initiated by the Indian Prime Minister. The project aims to recreate the Harappan architecture and lifestyle, highlight India’s diverse maritime heritage, and transform Lothal into a global tourist destination.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex(NMHC) Project
Commenced in March 2022 with an investment of Rs 3,500 crore, the NMHC project features several exciting aspects. The project includes the Lothal mini-recreation, four theme parks – Memorial Theme Park, Maritime and Navy Theme Park, Climate Theme Park, and Adventure and Amusement Theme Park. The entire complex is anticipated to serve as a center of learning about India’s maritime history.
The Historical City of Lothal
Lothal, located in the Bhāl region of present-day Gujarat, was one of the southernmost sites of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) built in 2200 BC. It was a thriving trade hub, engaging in the trade of beads, gems, and ornaments with West Asia and Africa. Lothal, meaning “the mound of the dead” in Gujarati, was home to the world’s earliest known dock and a crucial trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra.
The Discovery and Excavation of Lothal
Post-1947, Indian archaeologists started their quest for cities from the Harappan Civilisation in Gujarat’s Saurashtra. A team led by Archaeologist SR Rao uncovered various Harappan sites, including Lothal. The excavation work in Lothal took place from February 1955 to May 1960. The National Institute of Oceanography discovered marine microfossils and salt, gypsum crystals at the site, confirming it as a dockyard. Later excavations unearthed a mound, a township, a marketplace, and the dock.
The Heritage Value of Lothal
Lothal was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in April 2014, with its status still pending on the tentative list. It holds the unique distinction of being the only known port-town of the Indus Valley Civilisation, comparable in heritage value to other ancient port-towns globally such as Xel Ha (Peru), Ostia (Port of Rome), Carthage (Port of Tunis), Hepu in China, Canopus in Egypt, Byblos of the Phoenicians, Jaffa in Israel, Ur in Mesopotamia, and Hoi An in Vietnam.
Significant Sites of Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)
Other prominent IVC sites include Harappa and Mohenjo–daro in present-day Pakistan, Dholavira in Gujarat, Ropar in Punjab, Balathal and Kalibangan in Rajasthan, Banawali in Haryana, and Alamgirpur in Uttar Pradesh. These sites are noteworthy for various reasons such as unique urban designs, distinctive artifacts, and interesting cultural elements.
The Connection of IVC’s Urban Planning to Modern Urbanization
The urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization have made significant contributions to modern urbanization. Elements of their urban planning, construction techniques, water management, social governance, art, manufacturing, trading, and belief system continue to provide valuable insights for current urban development strategies.
For preparation related to the UPSC Civil Services Examination, the following questions have been posed in previous years regarding the Indus Valley Civilization. The queries range from topics on their urban planning, culture, significant sites, and more. The provided answer explanations offer great insights into the far-reaching impact of the IVC.
