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
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