• About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact
No Result
View All Result
Archaeology News
  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum
Archaeology News
No Result
View All Result
Home News Archaeology

New research confirms existence of ancient Harappan dockyard at Lothal, India

by Dario Radley
September 7, 2024

Lothal, a key Harappan port situated about 30 kilometers inland from the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, India, has been at the center of a long-standing archaeological debate. Known for its well-preserved brick structures, including a large trapezoidal basin believed by some to be a dockyard, Lothal has intrigued researchers for its potential role as a major trading hub in the Harappan Civilization during the Bronze Age (circa 2600–1900 BCE).

New research confirms existence of ancient Harappan dockyard at Lothal, India
Reconstruction of what the Lothal dockyard may have looked like. Credit: IgorMorozoff/Wikimedia Commons

The Harappan Civilization, also called the Indus Valley Civilization, was one of the earliest advanced societies, on par with the Egyptian and Mesopotamian civilizations. Lothal, located at the southernmost part of this civilization, was a center of trade and industry. Its strategic location, near the resources of steatite, carnelian, copper, and shells, made it a key supplier to the Indo-Saraswati plains and beyond. Not only did it engage in domestic trade, but evidence of Harappan pottery, seals, and beads in regions like Mesopotamia and the Persian Gulf suggests that its influence extended far beyond the Indian subcontinent.

Despite its historical significance, Lothal’s dockyard hypothesis has been a matter of dispute for decades. The structure, approximately 222 meters long, 37 meters wide, and 4 meters deep, has been seen by some archaeologists, including S.R. Rao, as a dockyard. They argue that features such as an inlet and outlet channel and a nearby warehouse support this interpretation. Others, however, question this theory, suggesting it might have been a water reservoir instead. The absence of a well-defined hinterland and the potential challenges of navigating the Saurashtra coast further fueled doubts.

Recently, new research led by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn) has provided fresh evidence supporting the dockyard theory. Using advanced technologies like multi-sensor data, cloud computing, satellite imagery, and Digital Elevation Models, researchers have reconstructed the palaeolandscape around Lothal. One of the key findings is a direct connection between Lothal and the ancient course of the Sabarmati River, which currently flows 20 kilometers east of the site. The study shows that the river once passed by Lothal.

According to Prof. V.N. Prabhakar of IITGn, “Satellite images have unveiled the old channels of the River Sabarmati, suggesting Lothal’s key location on a significant river route linked to Koth [in Ahmedabad] and other resource-rich areas on the one hand and Little Rann of Kachchh through the Nal Sarovar on the other.” This suggests that Lothal’s dockyard was likely an integral part of an extensive riverine and maritime network connecting it to other Harappan sites like Dholavira and beyond.

RelatedStories

Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The Horse and the Rise of Empires

Raiders, Rulers, and Traders: The Horse and the Rise of Empires

May 15, 2025
$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

January 27, 2025
New research confirms existence of ancient Harappan dockyard at Lothal, India
Lothal dockyard. Credit: Orissa8/Wikimedia Commons

Prof. Ekta Gupta, another lead researcher, emphasized the importance of a multidisciplinary approach, noting that “The reconstruction of palaeolandscape offers a fresh perspective on existing archaeological and geomorphological theories, enabling discoveries and a deeper understanding of how ancient societies adapted to their environment.”

The study further reveals that the lower reaches of the Sabarmati River migrated during the late Holocene, affecting the region’s trade routes and settlement patterns. This new evidence lends weight to the idea that the dockyard at Lothal played a vital role in Harappan trade by facilitating the movement of goods via both river and sea. Moreover, the identification of over 140 palaeochannels in the region further highlights Lothal’s strategic position within a complex network of waterways.

Artifacts found at Lothal, including carnelian beads and Harappan seals, indicate extensive trade with foreign civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Elam. These findings, along with the latest geospatial data, reinforce Lothal’s importance as a major trade and production center in the Harappan Civilization.

While the debate over Lothal’s dockyard is not entirely settled, the research from IITGn brings us closer to understanding the role this ancient port played in connecting the Harappan Civilization to distant lands.

Ministry of Education of India

More information: Ekta Gupta, V.N. Prabhakar, Vikrant Jain, (2024). Sabarmati and its connection with the Harappan port Lothal and the Nal corridor: A study using multi-sensor data, cloud-computing and multi-platforms. Journal of Archaeological Science, Volume 170, 106046. doi:10.1016/j.jas.2024.106046
Share10Tweet6Share2ShareSend

You May Also Like...

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river
Archaeology

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

June 19, 2025
Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections
Archaeology

Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

June 17, 2025
Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery
Anthropology

Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

June 16, 2025
Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals
Archaeology

Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

June 16, 2025
DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths
Anthropology

DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

June 15, 2025
Ancient Xiaohe boat burials reveal symbolic water journey into the afterlife, new study finds. (Illustration by Anja Schorneck). Credit: Caspari, G., Asian Archaeology (2025)
Anthropology

Ancient Xiaohe boat burials reveal symbolic water journey into the afterlife, new study finds

June 14, 2025

Comments 2

  1. Editorial Team says:
    56 years ago
    Disclaimer: This website is a science-focused magazine that welcomes both academic and non-academic audiences. Comments are written by users and may include personal opinions or unverified claims. They do not necessarily reflect the views of our editorial team or rely on scientific evidence.
  2. sprunki phase... says:
    2 months ago

    It’s fascinating to see how the discovery at Lothal sheds light on the advanced engineering and maritime capabilities of the Harappan civilization. This research not only enhances our understanding of ancient trade networks but also highlights the significance of archaeological findings in unraveling our history. Can’t wait to learn more about the implications of this discovery!

  3. capcut says:
    1 month ago

    Fascinating discovery! It’s incredible to think about the advanced maritime capabilities of the Harappan civilization. Lothal’s dockyard truly highlights the sophistication of ancient urban planning and trade. Can’t wait to see how this research evolves and what more it reveals about our history!

Follow us


Instagram
247K

Facebook
108K

Threads
42K

LinkedIn
12K

Twitter
6K

YouTube
1K
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

Viking age DNA reveals 9,000-year-old HIV-resistant gene originating near the Black Sea

May 18, 2025
Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

Secrets of the mysterious Gobi wall revealed: archaeologists uncover imperial purpose behind 200-mile structure

May 28, 2025
Viking-era boat burial unearthed in Norway reveals 1,100-year-old remains of woman and her dog

Viking-era boat burial unearthed in Norway reveals 1,100-year-old remains of woman and her dog

June 9, 2025
6,200-year-old ‘cone-headed’ skull found in Iran reveals cranial modification and death by blunt force

6,200-year-old ‘cone-headed’ skull found in Iran reveals cranial modification and death by blunt force

June 13, 2025
Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

Ancient Chinese star chart dated to 2,300 years ago may be the oldest ever, challenging astronomy history

May 17, 2025
$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

$1 million prize offered to decipher 5,300-year-old Indus Valley script

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

Oldest ever genetic data from a human relative found in 2-million-year-old fossilized teeth

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius' eruption

A 21-year-old student successfully deciphered the first word from the Herculaneum scrolls, charred during Mount Vesuvius’ eruption

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

New evidence reveals the source of mercury in the mausoleum of the first Qin emperor

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado's expedition

Oldest US firearm discovered in Arizona: a 500-year-old relic of Coronado’s expedition

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

Remarkable 11th-century ritual sword with rare symbolic inlays discovered in Dutch river

June 19, 2025
Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

Rare sperm whale tooth unearthed at Valencina Copper Age megasite reveals ancient Iberian coastal connections

June 17, 2025
Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

Medieval bed burials across Europe reveal cultural diversity, symbolism, and mystery

June 16, 2025
Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

Eldest sons held the power in ancient Egypt, new research reveals

June 16, 2025
DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

DNA reveals Poland’s first kings may have Scottish origins, challenging founding myths

June 15, 2025

Archaeology News online magazine

Archaeology News is an international online magazine that covers all aspects of archaeology.











Categories

  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • Download
  • Game
  • News
    • Anthropology
    • Archaeology
    • Paleontology
  • Quiz
  • Tours

Subscribe to our newsletter

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved.

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Donation
  • Contact

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

  • Home
  • News
    • Archaeology
    • Anthropology
    • Paleontology
  • Academics
    • Books
    • Conferences
    • Universities
  • Articles
  • VR Tours
  • Quiz & Game
  • Download
  • Encyclopedia
  • Forum

About  .  Contact  .  Donation

© 2024 - Archaeology News Online Magazine. All Rights Reserved

We use cookies to improve your experience and enable functionality and security of this site. Further detail is available in our Privacy Policy. By accepting all cookies, you consent to our use of cookies and use of data.