Over a decade ago, I made the bold decision of researching the Indus Valley Civilisation archaeological site of Lothal for my final year undergraduate dissertation in the UK. Being in close proximity to my hometown Bhavnagar, I felt that Lothal was in easy proximity to make frequent visits to during my summer holiday.
With its ancient history and maritime heritage, I assumed there would be a lot to explore, research and write about. But I was engulfed in disappointment during my visit to the site. The locals were having a picnic at the excavations, littering with plastic packets, there was no guide or official to give me a tour and, more importantly, there was no information board. The site was excavated and left for the visitor to jump to conclusions. Had I no background in archaeology, I too perhaps would be as oblivious as the locals munching on their snacks.
However, I was pleasantly surprised when the government announced the development of a museum and cultural centre at Lothal in 2019. During the Harappan Civilisation, in 2400 BCE, Lothal was one of the most important cities. The Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) research suggests that the world's oldest manmade dock was located at Lothal. This would have been instrumental in the flourishing of trade and commerce during the era of the ancient civilisation.
The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) is the vision of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) to bridge the past, present and future. The centre, which has been divided into two phases, one of which, is set to be completed later this year, will include 14 galleries, celebrating India’s maritime history from the Pre-Harappan era.
Historic battles that occurred at sea will also be showcased as immersive experiences to help raise awareness and educate the visitor. Given Lothal's historic significance with an advanced dockyard and thriving trade, it was perhaps only appropriate to build the Complex here.
My primary apprehension when I first heard about the complex being built, was whether experts would be invited and collaborations would be encouraged. Without these two, any museum or cultural centre cannot earn its place as a seat of learning. Last month when Sarbananda Sonowal, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways along with Mansukh Mandaviya, Minister of Labour, Employment, Youth Affairs and Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, held a meeting to review the progress of the complex, they discussed the need for collaborating with not only experts but with universities internationally including archaeological institutes for joint excavations.
This would be of tremendous importance given the last time Lothal was excavated was in 1962. There has been a boost in technological advances ever since, which helps in the accuracy and ease of research.
Historically, if it was not for the sea routes, India may not have flourished the way it did. For example, the Chola Dynasty owed a large amount of their economic prosperity and military supremacy to the sea. They built ports and forged trade routes in order to create a thriving empire. Mahabalipuram in Tamil Nadu, now a UNESCO World Heritage site, was one of the most important ports connecting ancient India to the world and facilitating the establishment of the silk route and the spice route.
Archaeological evidence suggests an exchange of politics, religion, Buddhism more importantly. This was a time when India and China had such a great bond that it is believed that a defence pact had been signed between the two against Tibet. The maritime heritage of India is vast and to document and bring this to life in one single complex will definitely be a challenge.
It is integral that ancient trade networks are documented and presented in a manner, which is educative and engaging to the visitor. There is also equal importance being given to present-day maritime advancements with two new ports coming up in Maharashtra and Great Nicobar Island. The Maritime Sector facilitates 95 per cent of India’s trade volume.
Last month, the first India Maritime Heritage Conclave was held in New Delhi with the theme of ‘Towards Understanding India’s Position in Global Maritime History.’ The event included a cornucopia of stakeholders from 11 countries, with exhibition stalls showcasing shipbuilding techniques and trade routes to discussions on India as a leader of maritime innovation globally.
After going through the National Maritime Heritage Complex website, it is evident that this is an ambitious project. Perhaps more than what can be delivered on?