New study suggests existence of a dockyard at Lothal, Gujarat, during Harappan Civilisation

Sub: History

Sec: Ancient India

Context:

Since the discovery of Harappan sites at Lothal, archaeologists have been divided on whether a dockyard existed at Lothal during the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC) period.

Study and findings:

A new study by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has found fresh evidence which suggests the existence of a dockyard at the IVC site of Lothal.
According to the study, Sabarmati River used to flow by Lothal during the Harappan Civilisation. Currently, it flows 20 km away from Lothal.
Satellite images have unveiled the old channels of the River Sabarmati, suggesting Lothal’s key location on a significant river route.
There was also a travel route connecting Ahmedabad, through Lothal, the Nal Sarovar wetland, and the Little Rann, to Dholavira, according to the study.

About Lothal:

Lothal is located in the Bhal region of modern-day Gujarat.
Lothal is the only port town of Indus valley civilization.
Said to be built in 2,200 BC, this port city was a thriving trade centre in ancient times with its trade of beads, gems and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.
The port city was discovered in 1950sby a team of archaeologists led by SR Rao.

About Sabarmati River:

The Sabarmati originates in the Dhebar lake situated in the southern part of the Aravalli range in the Udaipur district of Rajasthan.
It flows in a south-western direction, and after traveling about 371 km, falls into the Gulf of Khambhat.
The Sabarmati is the name given to the combined streams the Sabar and Hathmati.
Left bank tributaries: Wakal, Hathmati and Vatrak
Right bank tributaries: Sei