Previous Year Question

Important archaeological evidence for the use of riverine and maritime transport in the Harappan Civilization has been found at both Mohenjodaro and Lothal.

A representation of a boat has been found at Mohenjodaro. A seal discovered there depicts a boat with its prow and stern raised upwards, while a person controlling the vessel and a steering oar are visible towards the rear. The absence of a mast suggests that such a boat was probably used for river transport.

Thus, the evidence from Mohenjodaro is not an actual boat but a figure or representational depiction of a boat. It indicates that the Harappans were familiar with river-based transport.

At Lothal, in contrast, terracotta models of boats have been discovered. One model has an upturned prow and stern and contains holes interpreted as arrangements for a mast and sail rigging. This indicates the use of sailing vessels.

Lothal was situated in present-day Gujarat and was closely connected with maritime trade. The boat models and structures associated with waterways discovered there are important for understanding the developed nature of maritime and riverine trade in the Harappan Civilization.

IGNOU material on Harappan trade also explicitly states that representations of ships and boats occur on seals from Harappa and Mohenjodaro, while a terracotta ship model with arrangements for a mast and rigging was found at Lothal.