TAG: GS-1: ART AND CULTURE
THE CONTEXT: The Union Cabinet approved the National Maritime Heritage Complex at Lothal, Gujarat, on 9 October 2024.
About the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):
NMHC is being developed under the Sagarmala Programme by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterway (MoPSW).
- NMHC is to be developed as a first of its kind in the country dedicated to the legacy of Maritime Heritage of India, to showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime glory.
- Aim: To showcase India’s rich and diverse maritime heritage and create the largest maritime heritage complex in the world.
About Lothal
Lothal is the only known port town of the Indus Valley Civilization.
- The 4500-year-old archaeological site is located along the Bhogava river, which is the tributary of Sabarmati river.
- Lothal is considered to be one of the oldest port towns with an operating dock system in the world.
- The Lothal in Gujarati means ‘mound of the dead ‘.
- It was discovered in 1952 by archaeologist SR Rao of the Archaeological Survey of India.
NMHC involves a world-class Lighthouse Museum, coastal state pavilions, a maritime-themed eco-resort, etc.
India’s Maritime Heritage
- Early Days (3000 – 2000 BC): IVC had maritime trade link with Mesopotamia.
- Vedic Age (2000 – 500 BC): Earliest reference to maritime activities is contained in the Rig Veda.
- Age of the Nandas and Mauryas (500 – 200 BC): Navy of the Magadh kingdom is considered to be world’s first ever recorded instance of a navy.
- Satavahana Dynasty (200 BC-220 AD): First native Indian rulers to issue their coins with inscriptions of ships.
- Gupta Dynasty (320-500 AD): Several ports in the east and west were opened which greatly revived maritime trade with European and African countries.
- Marathas: Under Shivaji, the Maratha navy developed into a ferocious force with more than 500 ships.
- Southern Dynasties: Cholas, Cheras and Pandyas, also Vijaynagar empire, are known to have maritime resources.
The NMHC project is being developed in two main phases:
- Phase 1B and Phase 2 have been given the green light. The money for these phases will come from voluntary contributions.
- In Phase 1B, a special Light House Museum will be built with funds from the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships.
Current Progress
- Phase 1A is already under construction and is more than 60% complete. It is expected to be finished by 2025.
- Both Phase 1A and Phase 1B are using the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) model to speed up the work. Phase 2 will use a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) approach, meaning both the government and private companies will work together.
Economic Impact: The NMHC is expected to create around 22,000 jobs, with 15,000 direct jobs and 7,000 indirect ones. This will help local communities and provide opportunities for tourists, researchers, and various organizations.
Vision and Background
- The NMHC project is part of the Prime Minister’s vision to showcase India’s 4,500-year-old maritime heritage. The architectural masterplan has been designed by well-known architect Hafeez Contractor, and Tata Projects Ltd is responsible for building Phase 1A.
Future Phases and Features
- Phase 1A:Includes a museum with six galleries displaying naval artefacts and a replica of the ancient Lothal township.
- Phase 1B:Will add eight more galleries, a world-class Light House Museum, and a Bagicha complex (a garden area).
- Phase 2:Will include Coastal States Pavilions, a hospitality zone (hotels and restaurants), an ecological resort, and recreational parks to make the NMHC a top tourist and heritage site.
The NMHC aims to celebrate India’s long history with the sea, create jobs, and boost tourism in the region.
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