Which archaeological site of the Indus Valley Civilization provides clear evidence of a planned dockyard used for maritime trade?

Introduction / Context:
The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, was remarkable for its urban planning, craft production and long distance trade networks. Archaeological excavations have uncovered not only well planned cities but also structures that point to maritime trade with regions like Mesopotamia. One of the most famous discoveries is a dockyard like structure, which shows that the Harappans used ships and boats and handled cargo in an organised way. This question asks you to identify the specific site where such a dockyard was found.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The subject is the Indus Valley Civilization. - The key clue is evidence of a dockyard used for maritime trade. - The options are Harappa, Lothal, Mohenjodaro and Rakhigarhi. - We assume standard site specialisations described in archaeology textbooks.

Concept / Approach:
Lothal, located in present day Gujarat, is the Indus site most closely associated with maritime trade. Excavations there have revealed a large, rectangular, brick lined basin connected to an ancient river channel, which archaeologists interpret as a dockyard where ships could be moored for loading and unloading. Harappa and Mohenjodaro are major urban centres but are not specifically famous for a dockyard structure, while Rakhigarhi is another large Harappan site without this particular feature. Therefore, Lothal is the site that provides clear evidence of a planned dockyard.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Lothal was situated near the Gulf of Khambhat in Gujarat, giving it access to the sea and maritime routes. Step 2: Remember that archaeologists found a large basin at Lothal that appears to have been linked to tidal waters through a channel. Step 3: Interpret this basin, with its brick construction and probable sluice gates, as a dockyard where Harappan ships could anchor, reflecting advanced knowledge of hydraulic engineering. Step 4: Recognise that Harappa and Mohenjodaro are primarily known for their grid pattern streets, granaries and drainage systems rather than for dockyards. Step 5: Note that Rakhigarhi is an important settlement in Haryana but has not yielded a structure comparable to the Lothal dockyard. Step 6: Conclude that the Indus site with direct evidence of a dockyard is Lothal.

Verification / Alternative check:
Archaeology chapters in school textbooks almost always mention Lothal as the port city of the Harappans. The dockyard is highlighted as a unique feature, sometimes accompanied by diagrams showing how ships might have entered at high tide. Additionally, discussions of Harappan trade with Mesopotamia frequently refer to Lothal's role as a maritime hub. Seeing this consistent emphasis on Lothal and its dockyard confirms that it is the correct answer for this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Harappa is wrong because, although it was a major city, there is no famous dockyard structure associated with it in standard descriptions.

Mohenjodaro is wrong because it is best known for features like the Great Bath and citadel area, not for a maritime dockyard.

Rakhigarhi is wrong as it is an inland Harappan site in Haryana and does not provide evidence of a dockyard used for sea trade.

Common Pitfalls:
Students sometimes confuse Harappa, Mohenjodaro and Lothal because all three are key Harappan sites. Another pitfall is to assume that the largest or most famous city must have all important features. To avoid this, it helps to memorise one or two distinctive features for each major site: Harappa for granaries, Mohenjodaro for the Great Bath, Lothal for the dockyard and Rakhigarhi as a large site in Haryana. This simple mapping will allow you to answer site specific questions quickly and accurately.

Final Answer:
The Indus Valley site that provides evidence of a planned dockyard is Lothal.