While exploring the liveliest city of Gujarat do not forget to see the ancient city of Indus Valley civilization. It is situated in Bhal Region of Ahmedabad district in Gujarat. It is the proof of the most powerful civilization in the world. Dating back to 2400 BCE it was discovered much later after the independence of India in the year 1954 but the work of actual excavation was started on 13th February 1955 and went on till May 19th 1960. The excavation work was done by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) which is the official government agency to preserve ancient monuments and remains. The fabulous findings came to light after the excavation is done. The city which once could be a small village of a small population but later flourished as a significant trade centre is called Lothal which literary Mound of the Dead. This place is near Saragwala village in Dholka Taluka of Ahmedabad district. Lothal is just 78 kilometres away from Ahmedabad city.
When you reach here do not expect any lavish fort remains with exclusive carvings or temples but a lot to imagine a full fledged civilization with technology and trade sense. The emptiness of the place does tell a lot about what it once was. When you start exploring all the pictures of this ancient civilization come alive one by one. Being survived three times by disastrous natural calamities and then coming to an end is a tragedy for this powerful civilization. This is the site of Harrapan Culture in India with extensive excavation in order to understand how they lived, fought and vanished. The highlights of the site are their underground sanitary drainage system, their accuracy of standardised weights and measures, expertise in pottery and bead jewellery making. Lothal survived every flood storms only to become more powerful with improved infrastructure but after the fourth disaster it had to come to an end. The dock yard at Lothal was once a busy place and trade route to the rest of the world.
A small sleepy village of Lothal where people used the red ware or earthen pots had changed to important business hub when people from Indus valley civilisation created a colony here during 2450 BC. They were sea-faring merchants brought tools, technology and business via sea routes. Then there started a full-fledged civilisation that had potters, smiths, masons, seal cutters, etc. in no time it emerged as a flourished trade centre and important port of the civilisation. Massive flooding of the area many times tried to destroy the city but they again came up with new techniques to face the nature like powerful walls of fort, higher level of town from ground, an artificial dock, a far reaching warehouse, etc. The artificial dock is said to be the first of its kind in the world. After the third severe flooding most people left the place to find safe places but still the civilisation was found here till 16th century BC. The Northern civilisations had vanished much before Lothal. The most extensive research and study of about seven years from 1955 till 1962 of Harappan Culture is done by Dr. S. Rao in India by excavating the artefacts, potteries and the remains of structures found here.
The remains are found here include earthen wares like ceramic jars, toys, games, human figures, etc. copper tools, stone tools, largest collection of seals, beads, weight, measures, underground drainage system, docks, market place and warehouses, etc. Lothal was found to be highly developed bead making industry and their skills have not been still surpassed by modern technology after thousands of years later. They had a unique process to prepare micro beads of gold under 0.25 mm diameter. Gems beads and expensive ornaments were exported to west Asia and Africa. It is said that their skills had made them famous and wealth started pouring in. The scientists of Lothal were said to be the first to study stars and advanced navigation system. The Archaeological museum near the excavation site can give you much insight to the Indus civilisation by the exhibits and antiques kept here.
Just at a three hours distance Lothal is the premier archaeological site of Gujarat. The site is open all days of the week. There are no time restrictions. No entry fee is charged to explore this historic ancient town. If you are a history enthusiast and want to dig more knowledge in the ancient civilisation then Lothal is a perfect destination for you. RUCHI MAHAJANзайм на карту без отказов круглосуточновзять кредит онлайн