National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) site at Lothal, Gujarat is being developed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed the construction on 18th October 2022 via video conferencing. The project was begin in March 2022 and being developed at a cost of Rs 3,500.
About the Lothal
Indian archaeologists started exploring the cities of Harappan civilization after 1947 in Saurashtra, Gujarat. Archaeologist SR Rao led the team that discovered several Harappan sites at that time, including the port city of Lothal. Excavation work was carried out at Lothal between February 1955 and May 1960.
- Lothal is the only port town of the Indus Valley Civilisation and located in Gujrat, India.
- The port city is believed to be flourished around 2,200 BC.
- It was a center of Commerce, with it trade of beads, gems, and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.
- According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Lothal had the world’s oldest known dock, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Project
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) Project at World’s oldest dock site, Lothal was begin in March 2022. It is being developed at a cost of Rs 3,500.
It has several innovative features such as :
- Lothal mini-recreation : Recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle through immersive technology.
- Four theme parks : Maritime theme park, Navy theme park, Climate theme park, and Adventure & Abashment theme park.
- World tallest Light-house museum.
- 14 Galleries highlighting Indian maritime heritage from Harappan time to till date.
- Coastal states pavilions displaying the maritime heritage of Indian States and UTs.
