The discovery of the Harappan sites at Lothal, situated in Gujarat, India, has long divided archaeologists over whether a dockyard existed at this location during the Indus Valley Civilisation. Recent research by the Indian Institute of Technology-Gandhinagar (IITGn), however, has provided new evidence that may finally settle this debate.
Harappan civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilisation, is the earliest known urban culture of the Indian subcontinent. The civilisation dates back to about 2500–1700 BCE. The recent study into the civilization, utilising advanced technology, has revealed that the Sabarmati River once flowed by Lothal, supporting the hypothesis that it was a key hub for riverine and maritime trade.
Findings of the study
The study published in the Journal of Archaeological Science was conducted using satellite imagery, early maps, and digital elevation models to analyse the ancient water systems and trade routes of the region. The study led by Ekta Gupta, V N Prabhakar, and Vikrant Jain confirmed that the Sabarmati River, which now flows 20 km away from Lothal, was once in close proximity, providing a direct link to other resource-rich areas.
This supports the theory that Lothal’s trapezoidal brick structure, previously identified as a basin, was a dockyard rather than an irrigation tank as some scholars had speculated.
According to the researchers, satellite images have revealed the ancient channels of the Sabarmati, indicating that Lothal was positioned on a significant river route that connected it to the Gulf of Khambhat, the Little Rann of Kutch, and Dholavira (another important Harappan site). This river route facilitated trade not only within the region but also extended to distant lands such as Mesopotamia, based on archaeological findings of foreign artefacts.
Lothal’s role in the Harappan trade
Lothal is located around 30 kilometres inland from the coast of the Gulf of Khambhat and played a crucial role in the Harappan trade network. The civilisation was one of the three great urban cultures of the ancient world, alongside Mesopotamia and Egypt. Lothal stood out as a strategic trading post due to its proximity to valuable resources such as amazonite, carnelian, copper, and shells, making it a vital centre for the export of goods like cotton, stone beads, and ivory.
The researchers emphasised that Lothal was well connected to other settlements through a network of rivers, wetlands, and trade routes, allowing goods to be transported efficiently. The Sabarmati River would have provided a direct link from Lothal to the Nal Sarovar wetland and the Little Rann, facilitating easy access to Dholavira. Traders could have used boats to travel these routes, reaching their destinations within two days, according to the study.
Archaeological Evidence and Debate
The structure identified as the dockyard in Lothal is a large trapezoidal basin, measuring approximately 222 metres in length, 37 metres in width, and 4 metres in depth. The presence of an inlet and outlet channel, a platform for cargo handling, and a warehouse located nearby strengthens the case for the dockyard theory.
Additionally, the discovery of Harappan pottery, seals, and other artefacts in regions such as Mesopotamia, the Persian Gulf, and along the Makran coast in Pakistan further supports the notion of Lothal’s extensive trade connections.
However, despite the mounting evidence, some archaeologists have continued to argue that the structure may have served as a water reservoir for irrigation or human consumption. The new findings from IITGn, particularly the confirmation of the Sabarmati River’s proximity during the Harappan period, provide stronger support for the theory that Lothal was in fact a key maritime trading hub with a functioning dockyard.