Lothal

Why is in news? PM Modi to review site work progress of Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal in Gujarat today

National Maritime Heritage Complex - Lothal in Gujarat

It would be developed as an international tourist destination, where the maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times would be showcased.

It is going to cover an area of 400 acres, with structures such as Heritage Theme Park, National Maritime Heritage Museum, Lighthouse Museum, Maritime Institute, eco-resorts, and more.

There will also be many pavilions where all coastal states in India and union territories can showcase their artifacts and maritime heritage.

The unique feature of NMHC is the recreation of ancient Lothal city, which is one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus valley civilization.

About Lothal:

Lothal was one of the southernmost cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization located in Gujarat.

Construction of the city began around 2400 BCE.

According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Lothal had the world’s earliest known dock, which connected the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river on the trade route between Harappan cities in Sindh and the peninsula of Saurashtra.

Lothal was a vital and thriving trade Centre in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems, and valuable ornaments reaching the far corners of West Asia and Africa.

The techniques and tools they pioneered for bead-making and in metallurgy have stood the test of time for over 4000 years.

The Lothal site has been nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its application is pending on the tentative list of UNESCO.