Lothal - Gujarat

Lothal is correctly matched with Gujarat. Lothal is an ancient city located in the western state of Gujarat in India. It was one of the prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, which flourished around 2500 BCE to 1900 BCE.

Indus Valley Civilization
The Indus Valley Civilization was one of the world's earliest urban civilizations, known for its highly advanced urban planning, trade, and sophisticated drainage systems. It was spread across the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, including present-day India and Pakistan.

Lothal
Lothal was an important city in the Indus Valley Civilization and was situated near the Gulf of Khambhat on the Arabian Sea. The city had a well-developed dockyard, indicating its significance as a major trading center in the region. It was connected to other Indus Valley cities through trade routes, both by land and sea.

Archaeological Significance
Lothal has been extensively excavated by archaeologists, providing significant insights into the Indus Valley Civilization. The excavations have revealed the remains of a well-planned city, with an efficient drainage system, residential quarters, public buildings, and a marketplace. The dockyard, with its series of interconnected channels, is one of the most remarkable features of Lothal.

Trade and Commerce
The location of Lothal near the Arabian Sea played a crucial role in its trade and commerce. It is believed that Lothal had trade connections with Mesopotamia (present-day Iraq) and other regions, exporting goods such as beads, pottery, semi-precious stones, and textiles. The discovery of seals and weights suggests that the city had a well-organized system of trade.

Decline and Abandonment
Like other cities of the Indus Valley Civilization, Lothal also experienced a decline and eventual abandonment around 1900 BCE. The exact reasons for the decline are not known, but factors such as climate change, natural disasters, or shifts in trade patterns have been suggested.

In conclusion, Lothal is correctly matched with Gujarat, as it was an important city of the Indus Valley Civilization located in the present-day state of Gujarat, India.