National Maritime Heritage Complex Lothal
Source : PIB
GS II : Art and Culture
Overview
- Key Facts
- What is the importance of Lothal?
Why in News ?
In Gujarat’s Lothal, the National Maritime Heritage Complex is being built by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways as part of the Sagarmala plan.
- The project was launched in 2022, and is being developed at a cost of Rs 3,500 crore.
Key Facts
- An edutainment strategy utilising cutting-edge technology would be used to promote awareness of India’s maritime legacy at NMHC.
- Tourism: This would be created as a worldwide tourism destination showcasing the nautical heritage of India from ancient to present times.
- Facilities: The marine complex, which is expected to become one of the most popular international tourist sites in the world, will comprise the tallest lighthouse museum in the world, the largest open aquatic exhibition, and the largest naval museum in India.
- Economy: Through this initiative, the region’s tourism potential will be increased, which will further the area’s economic growth.
What is the importance of Lothal?
- Located in the Bhal district of the Indian state of Gujarat, Lothal was one of the southernmost Indus Valley civilization sites.
- The city’s construction is said to have started about 2200 BCE.
Civilisation
- In the Indus age, the inhabitants of Lothal produced important and frequently original contributions to human civilization in the areas
Image by Jignesh Makwana from Pixabay of urban planning, art, architecture, science, engineering, ceramics, and religion.
- Their wealth was based on their work making jewellery, beads, seals, and metal objects.
- Religion: The people of Lothal worshipped a fire god who is speculated to be the horned deity depicted on seals.
- Trade: Lothal was a thriving trade centre in ancient times, with its trade of beads, gems and ornaments reaching West Asia and Africa.
- The presence of private and public fire-altars found.
- According to the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Lothal had the world’s earliest known dock, connecting the city to an ancient course of the Sabarmati river.
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