Lothal: The Archaeological Remains Of Harappan Civilization

One of the Harappan Civilization fractions is found in Gujarat, also known as Lothal India. Lothal arguably has the oldest dockyard in the world that is located on the site of the Bhogavo River which is one of the tributaries of the Sabarmati River. Lothal in Gujarat is one of the smallest sights of the Harappan civilization.

About Lothal India

One of the most magnificent of this site is the dockyard that was built during this era and is located on the eastern side of this edge. The shape of this dockyard is roughly like a trapezoid. 

The dockyard also has a setting to maintain regular water employing a sluice gate and a spill channel, so that if there is excess water can be drained out. Today, the Gulf of Khambhat is around 16-19 km from the Lothal Civilization, however, it is believed that the sea was not that far from the Lothal civilization. 

However, the site of the Lothal Ahmedabad is smaller compared to the other, it has a citadel which is estimated to be an administrative building and the lower city is estimated to be a place where common people used to stay. 

Unlike the citadel in Mohenjo Daro or Harappa, it is not separate and fortified; it is located in the main settlement. During the excavation of Lothal evidence of rice and cotton cultivation has been found. As the major cultivation of Lothal was cotton it is also known as the Manchester of Harappan civilization.

Apart from the dockyard, a bead factory with ten living rooms and working space was found while excavating. Lothal in Gujarat also has a coppersmith’s workshop with five furnaces and paved sinks to enable multiple artisans to work. 

While excavating an earliest known chessboard was also found. One of the famous things found while excavating from Lothal in Gujarat is the double burial where two skeletons were found cremated together. 

History Of Lothal

If we talk about the religion followed at Lothal in Gujarat then it is estimated that the people of Lothal used to worship animals. You could also see the depiction of the fire god on their seals. It is believed that the people in Lothal used to worship sea goddesses which resemble today’s Vanuvati Sikotarimata who is worshipped as a sea goddess today by the local people. 

As per the estimated history of Lothal, this ancient civilization in Gujarat must have been destroyed by the floods, because of the tropical storms and floods that caused immense destruction. It is estimated that Lothal was destroyed by the floods several times and was rebuilt. 

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Town Planning And The Culture

1. Dockyard

The dockyard has been excavated beside the river Sabarmati, which has changed the course since then.

2. Drainage System 

Just like Harappan Civilization Lothal civilization has a well-planned drainage system. The ancient drainage system of the Lothal civilization is a stamp of a part of the ancient Indus civilization.

3. Lower Town Of Lothal

4. The Administrative Building

Unlike the Harappan Civilization, the Administrative building in Lothal is not at an elevation and is not fortified. Most of the buildings and other architecture are made of fire-dried bricks, lime, and sand mortar and are still enacted after 4000 years. 

5. Other Miscellaneous Items 

6. Cultivation And Diet

The major cultivation of the Lothal India was rice and cotton. Although their diet also included lentils. Bones of many animals including domesticated and wild indicate a wide food culture.

7. Religion

While excavating the practice of cremation of the dead and post-cremation burials have been noted in Lothal India.

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Best Time To Visit Lothal

The best time to visit Lothal is from October to February when the climate of Gujarat is bearable. People during this time can enjoy the total vibe of Lothel India. Also, the best time to visit Lothal during the day is in the evening. 

Lothal Museum

Lothal Museum needs to pay Rs. 5/- as an entry fee. However, if you are visiting the archaeological site then the entry fee is free. The museum is open from 10:00 am to 05:00 pm.

How To Travel To Lothal Archeological Site

By Road

The nearest city to visit from the archeological site of Lothal Ahmedabad is Ahmedabad which is around 80 km from Lothal Ahmedabad. 

By Rail

There are five trains run daily from Ahmedabad’s Gandhigram station to Lothal-Bhurkhi station, 6 km from the site. From the station, you can take a bus to the site. 

By Air

The nearest airport to reach Lothal Ahmedabad is Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport which is around 80 km from Lothal.  

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