Name the important Harappan site located in modern Gujarat that is regarded as the only major Indus settlement very close to the sea.

Introduction / Context:
The Indus Valley Civilisation, also called the Harappan Civilisation, included many urban centres spread across present day Pakistan and north western India. Some of these sites were inland, while others were located closer to rivers or the sea and played a role in trade. Identifying which site in modern Gujarat is recognized as a major port settlement close to the sea helps candidates connect archaeological locations with their geographical functions and importance.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The question asks for the name of a Harappan site in modern Gujarat.

• It specifies that this is considered the only major Indus site close to the sea.

• The options list Lothal, Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira.

• We assume the question refers to the site often described in textbooks as a port with a dockyard.

Concept / Approach:
Among the listed sites, Lothal is widely described as a port city of the Harappan Civilisation, located in what is now Gujarat and relatively near the sea or tidal waters in ancient times. Archaeologists have interpreted certain structures at Lothal as a dockyard, suggesting maritime trade. Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, although very important, are located further inland in present day Pakistan, and Dholavira, also in Gujarat, is situated on an island like area in the Rann of Kachchh but not usually singled out as the only major coastal port in the same way as Lothal.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Lothal is an Indus Valley site in Gujarat associated with a dockyard and possible overseas trade. Step 2: Remember that standard exam descriptions call Lothal an important port town of the Harappan Civilisation. Step 3: Note that Mohenjo Daro and Harappa are famous urban centres but located far from the sea in river valley regions. Step 4: Recognise that Dholavira is also in Gujarat but is more often highlighted for its town planning and water management rather than as the only main port close to the sea. Step 5: Conclude that Lothal is the correct site that best matches the description given in the question.

Verification / Alternative check:
Archaeological summaries and school level history textbooks typically describe Lothal as a coastal town in the Gulf of Khambhat region, with a brick structure interpreted as a dock connected by channels to the sea. They emphasise its role in trade with distant regions and often mention it when discussing maritime aspects of the Indus Civilisation. Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira are described differently and do not fit the statement about being the only major Indus site close to the sea in the same way, confirming Lothal as the best answer.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Mohenjo Daro is an important city of the Indus Civilisation but lies near the Indus River in present day Pakistan, not close to the sea in Gujarat.

• Harappa is located in the Punjab region and is another inland urban centre of the civilisation, again not a coastal site.

• Dholavira is in Gujarat and is a significant Harappan site, but exam questions that stress a dockyard and sea based trade usually highlight Lothal, not Dholavira, as the key port settlement.

Common Pitfalls:
Because both Lothal and Dholavira are in Gujarat and are associated with the Indus Civilisation, candidates sometimes confuse them. A helpful tip is to remember that Lothal is linked specifically with a dockyard and maritime trade, while Dholavira is famous for its impressive water management and large urban layout. When a question emphasises proximity to the sea or port activity, Lothal is the safer and more accurate choice.

Final Answer:
The Harappan site in modern Gujarat close to the sea is Lothal.