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National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal

National Maritime Heritage Complex:

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is important for UPSC Prelims Exam and also GS Paper 1 of the UPSC Mains Exam.

National Maritime Heritage Complex

Indian History

 

National Maritime Heritage Complex- Why in News

Major Sites of Harappa Civilization

 

National Maritime Heritage Complex

  • About: National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal is being developed as a one-of-its-kind project to display India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage.
    • The foundation stone for the NMHC project was laid by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the consent for the master plan was given in March 2019.
  • Associated Ministry: National Maritime Heritage Complex, Lothal is being built under overall supervision and guidance of Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
    • also help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.
  • Cost: National Maritime Heritage Complex is being built with total cost of 3500 crore rupees.

Indian Institute of Heritage’ (IIH): To be set up as a Deemed to be University

 

What are the key features of National Maritime Heritage Complex at lothal?

  • National Maritime Heritage Complex will have several innovative and unique features such as-
    • Lothal mini recreation to recreate Harappan architecture and lifestyle,
    • Four theme parks –
      • Memorial theme park,
      • Maritime and Navy theme park,
      • Climate theme park, and
      • Adventure and Amusement theme park.
  • It will also house following among others-
    • the world’s tallest lighthouse museum,
    • Fourteen galleries highlighting India’s maritime heritage starting from the Harappan times till today,
    • A Coastal states pavilion displaying the diverse maritime heritage of states and UTs.

Swadesh Darshan scheme- New Projects Sanctioned under Heritage Circuit Theme

 

Significance of National Maritime Heritage Complex

  • National Maritime Heritage Complex will help Lothal to emerge as a world-class international tourist destination.
  • A maritime heritage complex in Lothal is a fitting tribute to the city’s historical legacy and heritage.
  • National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal will act as a centre for learning and understanding of India’s diverse maritime history.
  • The boost to the tourism potential through this project will also augment the economic development of the region.

 

Lothal- A Harappan Civilization Site

  • Background: Lothal was one of the southernmost sites of the ancient Indus Valley civilisation, located in the modern state of Gujarat.
    • Construction of the city is believed to have begun around 2200 BCE.
    • The excavation started from 13 February 1955 to 19 May 1960 by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) to unearth the ancient city.
    • Archaeologists believe that the city was a part of a major river system on the ancient trade route from Sindh to Saurashtra in Gujarat.
  • About: Lothal was one of the prominent cities of the Harappan civilization and is known for the discovery of the oldest man-made dockyard.
  • Location: Lothal is situated in Gujarat; on Bhogva river near the Gulf of Cambay.
  • Key Findings: Following are the key findings from Lothal Harappan Site-
    • Port Town
    • Graveyard
    • Ivory weight balance
    • Copper dog
    • First manmade port
    • Dockyard
    • Rice husk
    • Fire alters
    • Chess-playing
  • Significance: Artefacts suggest that trade from Lothal may have been conducted with Mesopotamia, Egypt and Persia.
    • An entire township with market and dock has been unearthed here.

 

Dholavira: A City of Harappan Civilization

Dholavira: A City of Harappan Civilization

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