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Difficulty: MediumAncient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

With reference to the Harappan civilization site of Lothal, consider the following statements:

1. It was situated along the Bhogavo River, a tributary of the Sabarmati in present-day Gujarat.
2. Excavations revealed a prominent rectangular brick basin identified by archaeologists as a tidal dockyard.
3. Unlike Mohenjo-daro, the settlement of Lothal completely lacked any perimeter fortification wall or defensive enclosure.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 2 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    2 and 3 only
  3. C
    1 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

Statements 1 and 2 are correct, while statement 3 is incorrect.
Statements 1 and 2 are correct. Lothal was a key port city of the Indus Valley Civilization situated on the Bhogavo River in Gujarat. Its most distinctive feature is a massive burnt-brick basin identified as a tidal dockyard, indicating active maritime trade. Statement 3 is incorrect because Lothal was protected by a thick peripheral wall made of mud bricks to safeguard the town against river floods.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Evaluate Statement 1 regarding geographic location
Lothal is located near the Gulf of Khambhat on the Bhogavo River, a tributary of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad district, Gujarat. Thus, Statement 1 is correct.
Geographical location confirmation for Harappan sites.
2
Evaluate Statement 2 regarding urban and commercial features
Archaeological excavation led by S.R. Rao discovered a burnt-brick rectangular structure (216 m×37 m216\text{ m} \times 37\text{ m}) linked to a river channel, identified as a tidal dockyard. Thus, Statement 2 is correct.
Identifying key Harappan site structural features.
3
Evaluate Statement 3 regarding defensive structures
Lothal was enclosed by a thick mud-brick wall serving both defensive purposes and protection against massive floods. Thus, Statement 3 is incorrect.
Distinguishing Harappan town planning and fortification features.

Key Concept

Urban Planning, Geography, and Trade Networks of Harappan Archaeological Sites
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Topics

Ancient Indian Civilizations and Early Empires

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