Lothal is a mound excavated near Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India on Longitude 70^o 14' 25" East and Latitude 20^o 31' 25" North.  It represents the Indus Valley Civilization (2400-1600 BC) almost identical to that of the renowned Mohan-jo-dero in Pakistan. The Indus flowed through Gujarat before a cataclysmic earthquake like the one that hit the state again in January, 2001 changed its course.

Lothal attracted the Harappans by its rich cotton and rice growing hinterland and sheltered harbor in the Gulf of Cambay (or Khambhat). They had adapted standardization to ensure uniform quality and facilitate mass production. Throughout the vast Harappan empire extending from the borders of Iran and Afghanistan upto Kashmir, Delhi and South Gujarat coast, the same type of stone weights and seals, copper spearheads and bangles, jewelry, toys and pottery forms were used. The same system of town-planning, the same width of streets and the same size of bricks throughout the Harappan territory reveal the presence of a strong central authority.

Lothal imported pure copper and manufactured bronze chisels, fish hooks and spearheads. It also imported raw material from Sukkur Rohri in Sind (Pakistan) and Bijapur in Karnataka (India) to manufacture stone blades. Bhagatrav and Dholavira, two other Harappan settlements in Gujarat supplied agates and shells respectively. Lothal manufactured and exported ornaments of gemstones, ivory and shell objects. It traded with other countries as attested by gold pendants and terracotta models of a bearded Sumerian, an African gorilla and an Egyptian mummy.

Increasing foreign trade resulted in the building of a tidal dock at Lothal. Located away from the main currents of the Gulf of Cambay, it provided a safe berth for ships besides avoiding silting. Analyzing the location of Lothal dock and its structure, the present day oceanographers, hydrologists and maritime engineers are amazed by the depth of knowledge and skills that the Harappans possessed 4000 years ago.

A 220-meter long mud-brick wharf facilitated the haulage of cargo between the dock and a warehouse. Clay seals and positive impressions of packing material such as mats, reeds, cloth and twisted cords have been found in the warehouse. On the analogy of Sumerian practices, it is believed that the Harappan State collected customs on imports and certified the quality of the goods meant for exports.

Unfortunately, recurring floods and increased salinity of soil degenerated the Harappan Culture by 1600 BC as evident in Lothal, Rangpur, Rojdi, Desalpur, Surkotda and Ropar in India and Mohan-jo-dero and Chanhu-dero in Pakistan.

Source: Rao, S.R. 'Lothal'. Archaeological Survey of India (1985)