Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) was highly advanced in terms of urban planning and international trade.
Because they traded with distant lands like Mesopotamia (Sumer), they built specialized port towns along the coastline.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Lothal is situated in the Ahmedabad district of Gujarat, near the Gulf of Khambhat.
It was excavated by S.R. Rao in 1954.
The most distinguishing feature of Lothal is its artificial dockyard, the earliest known in the world.
This dockyard was a rectangular basin made of baked bricks, connected to the Bhogavo River by a canal.
It utilized tidal patterns to allow ships to enter and leave the port, demonstrating the Harappans' advanced knowledge of hydrography.
Other significant findings at Lothal include:
1. A bead-making factory (specializing in carnelian and agate).
2. A terracotta model of a ship.
3. Seals from the Persian Gulf and Mesopotamia, proving international trade.
4. Double burials (finding two skeletons in one grave).
Evaluating other options:
(A) Kalibangan: In Rajasthan; famous for a ploughed field and fire altars.
(B) Banawali: In Haryana; known for its high-quality barley.
(D) Rakhigarhi: In Haryana; currently the largest IVC site discovered in India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Lothal is the Harappan port city located in Gujarat that contains the archaeological remains of a sophisticated ancient dockyard.
Thus, option (C) is the correct answer.