The Union Cabinet has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
- This initiative, led by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, aims to celebrate and showcase India’s extensive maritime heritage, which spans over 4,500 years.
- With the foundation stone laid in March 2019, the NMHC is envisioned to be one of the largest maritime complexes in the world.
- The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is a multifaceted project that will encompass several key components, including a museum featuring 14 galleries, a Lothal Town and Open Aquatic Gallery, a Lighthouse Museum, a Bagicha Complex, Coastal State Pavilions, and the Recreation of Lothal City.
- Lothal, a name that combines the Gujarati words “Loth” and “thal,” meaning “the mound of the dead,” is rich in historical importance.
- This ancient city, dating back to 2400 BCE, grew into a bustling trading port within the Indus Valley Civilization.
- As a key player in the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal showcased features that highlighted its role as a maritime hub.
- Among the most significant discoveries is the world’s oldest known artificial dock, connected to an ancient course of the Sabarmati River.
- The site also revealed an acropolis, a lower town, a bead factory, warehouses, and a well-designed drainage system, all of which underscore Lothal’s status as a vital trading city.
