Archaeological Museum Lothal
| Place | Lothal |
|---|---|
| State | Gujarat |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1976 |
| Museum Type | Archaeological (Site Museum) |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Lothal, Saragwala, Gujarat 382230 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Saturday to Thursday) Closed on Fridays. |
| Entry Fee | Indians: ₹25 Foreigners: ₹300 Children (up to 15 years): Free |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1976, this site museum houses the antiquities excavated from Lothal, one of the most prominent cities of the Indus Valley Civilization (c. 2400–1600 BCE). The museum is situated adjacent to the excavated site, which features the world’s earliest known artificial dockyard. It is administered by the Archaeological Survey of India.
General Collections
The collection includes nearly 800 artifacts such as Harappan seals, bead-making tools, terracotta ornaments, shell and ivory objects, copper and bronze implements, and a vast array of wheel-turned pottery.
Unique Historical Collections
The museum houses the Harappan "Persian Gulf" Seal (evidence of overseas trade) and a unique joint burial system (double skeletons in a single grave) which is distinctive to the Lothal site.
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/KgUHCrkdcpw?si=1vP3UflZdY08A9hU |
|---|---|
| Archaeological Survey of India | Yes |
| Notes | The museum is currently undergoing a transitional phase as it integrates with the upcoming National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), a world-class project being developed at the site to showcase India's 5,000-year maritime history. |
| Artifacts | Chert blades, Copper dog, Terracotta bull, Ivory scale, Chessmen (terracotta gamesmen), Steatite seals with unicorn and elephant motifs, and Carnelian beads. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details | 02714-294274 |
| Email ID | museum-loth-asi@gov.in (General ASI Museum Branch: museum.asi@gov.in) |