Question

Lothal is said to have been a very important city in the context of the Indus Valley Civilisation. According to some sources, it played host to one of the very first dockyards in the world. What do you think this could imply?

• A. The Harappans grew very little food and were forced to turn to the sea to meet their dietary needs.
• B. It was the largest Harappan city without a doubt.
• C. The entire city of Lothal is submerged today, thus not allowing any form of excavation.
• D. The Harappans possibly used this as a means to trade with the Mesopotamians.

Answer 1

The correct option is D The Harappans possibly used this as a means to trade with the Mesopotamians.

The Harappans are known to have used boats and ships to travel to far off destinations. Such journeys were done for the purpose of external trade. Given that seals from Mesopotamia have been found at Harappan sites, there is a good chance that the port at Lothal (consisting of dockyards to maintain and repair ships) was utilised as a means to trade with people from the Mesopotamian Civilisation.