Lothal Maritime Heritage Complex: The intersection of India’s history, contemporary situation and prospects

This ₹4,300-crore National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), located at Lothal in Gujarat is one of India’s biggest transformation projects that captures the majestic culture of the Indian maritime history and the glory of the Indus Valley Civilization. It is planned to be completed by 2028, Phase 1-A which we expect to be ready by August 2025 will feature galleries, a jetty walk, and a Lothal town replica. The NMHC, an education-tourism strategy, will include technologically-futuristic exhibits; coastal state pavilions; and international partnerships with 25 countries to promote India’s position as a maritime power.

Lothal, one of the setups of the Indus Valley civilization, was especially advanced in dockyard technology and other maritime economy and bead-making industries. Archaeological work established intricate layouts in addition to city sewage and drainage and superior remains including seals and pottery. Its decline was mainly due to geographic shifts of the rivers and climate changes the NMHC aims to recreate its importance in the present day context to attract the international visitors, promote maritime learning and improve the economy under Sagarmala Programme.

Key Highlights

Project Overview:

• The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal in Gujarat is a Rs 4300 crore national project, to showcase India as a powerful maritime country.

• It is being prepared under the Sagarmala Programme which provides edutainment content on India’s maritime history.

Timeline:

• Phase 1-A: Stated in March 2022 and expected to be completed by August 2025, the company is currently at 65% construction.

• Entire Project Completion: Targeted by 2028.

Phase-wise Details

• Phase 1-A:

  • Six galleries, demonstration of Lothal town, jetty walkway and so on.

  • Estimated cost: ₹1,200 crore.

• Phase 1-B:

  • Eight more galleries, the lighthouse museum, 5D dome theatre and ‘Bagicha Complex’.

• Phase 2:

  • Development initiation of apec-city with conceptualised ancient city at Lothal, pavilions to preserve maritime culture of coastal states of India, museotel, integrated eco-resort, national maritime research institute, and theme-based parks.

Significance of the project

• NMHC should be mentioned that it is planned to become one of the largest complexes of similar type in the world.

• A proposal to incorporate other cultural Tourism destinations and develop tourist circuits such as oceanic, cruise, and coastal tours.

• With partners in 25 countries, and memorandums of understanding have been signed with Portugal, UAE, and Vietnam.

• Advanced graphics presentations, touch screen, and narratives will be used for displaying India’s naval and Maritime prowess.

• The objective, therefore, should be more on public education on maritime history and international tourism.

• Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal identified that the project will lead to increase in tourism, advancement in maritime learning and global maritime relations of India.

• It imputes the thinking of economic and human development to the Prime Minister of India – Mr Narendra Modi.

• Talking about the growth of the local economy as the result of the touristic attractions and infrastructural investments.

• Serves as a forum for the exchange of information between the people of India’s maritime industry and the world.

About Lothal

• Lothal situated at a prime location of the Indus Valley Civilization (2400 BCE) was famous for its specialized dockyard, trade and bead making industry.

• Located in the present province of Gujarat, in north-western India, near the Khambat Bay.

• Situated on the Bhogava River a small stream which is a branch of Sabarmati River.

Archaeological Excavations

Described by S.R. Rao it was excavated in 1954 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The conclusions made in the course of the work have been contributing to the knowledge of the sea and trading activity of the Indus Valley Civilization.

Historical Significance

1. Port Town:

   • Lothal is one of the largest and most recognized port towns of the Indus Valley Civilization.

   • It had a sophisticated dockyard, which is likely to have served both for anchoring ships and in trade with far-away lands like Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.

2. Urban Planning:

   • Illustrates the orderly infrastructure and planning of an IVC town with straight alleys, streets, and a capital drainage system.

   • A citadel or upper town was distinguished from the lower town: the first one was inhabited exclusively by the administration and the second one was for the citizens.

3. Dockyard:

   • An uncovered trapezoidal dockyard was identified measuring about 37m in length, and 21.6m in width.

   • It is assumed that it is one of the oldest examples of a maritime channel located and functioning as a dockyard.

4. Trade and Economy:

   • Lothal adopted its economic plan with an emphasis on commerce centers of carnelian, agate, and lapis lazuli stones.

   • Symbols in bead-making and shell industries show that these artifacts were crafted with certain skills.

5. Weights and Measures:

   • Some weights and measures used at Lothal indicate the standardized weights and measures indicating regulated trade.

   • The presence of both seals and seal impressions suggests that the site was involved in inter-regional trading activities.

6. Agriculture:

   • Farming which includes the growing of crops like rice, barley and cotton.

   • Plough have been incorporated in agricultural-related activities.

7. Artifacts:

   • Fragments of pottery, terracotta figurines and tools of copper bronze, and stone were also found.

   • One of the main highlights is a terracotta model of the ship due to its seaport affiliation.

Decline

• The reasons for the decline are being assumed by shifting of the river course, falling in trade, and possibly even climatic change.

Conclusion

At Lothal, for instance, the NMHC is a revolution in an endeavor to conserve India’s past, enhance tourism and market Indian maritime achievements to the world. Thus, the project of constructing the ‘new’ historical temple seeks to combine respect for historical features and advance the use of technology to promote Indian pride in its history and to foster economic development and education.