Question

Which Indus site is considered a major port city?

• A. Harappa
• B. Lothal
• C. Dholavira
• D. Chanhudaro

Hint:

1. Whenever "port", "dockyard", or "maritime trade" is mentioned in connection with the Indus Valley Civilization, think of Lothal in Gujarat immediately.
2. Lothal is also nicknamed the "Manchester of the Harappan Civilization" due to its extensive trade and bead-making industries.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
1. This history question asks us to identify the major ancient harbor or port city of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) from the provided options.
2. The IVC was highly advanced in maritime trade, and certain archaeological sites contain clear evidence of docks and overseas trade connections.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
1. Firstly, let us analyze the correct answer, Lothal.
2. Lothal is located in the Saragwala village in the Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad district, Gujarat, India.
3. Archaeologists have discovered a massive rectangular basin at Lothal, measuring about 218 meters in length and 37 meters in width, which has been identified as a tidal dockyard.
4. This dockyard was connected to an old course of the Sabarmati River, allowing ships and merchant vessels from the Arabian Sea to sail in and unload goods.
5. Lothal served as an important trading center, exporting items like semi-precious stones, beads, shells, and ivory to Mesopotamia, Persia, and Egypt.
6. Secondly, let us examine the other options:
- Harappa is located inland along the Ravi River (now in Punjab, Pakistan) and was a major administrative and agricultural hub, not a coastal port.
- Dholavira, located in the Rann of Kutch (Gujarat), is highly famous for its sophisticated water harvesting systems, reservoirs, and unique city planning, but it was not primarily known as a major tidal port city.
- Chanhudaro, located in Sindh (Pakistan), was primarily an industrial town famous for bead-making, shell-working, and seal-making.

Step 3: Final Answer:
1. The Indus Valley Civilization site considered a major port city is Lothal.
2. Therefore, the correct option is Option (B).