Wikipedia:Today's featured article/April 6, 2006

Lothal was one of the most prominent cities of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. Located in the state of Gujarat in India, it was discovered in 1954, and its existence dates from 2400 BCE. Lothal's dock—the world's earliest—made the city a vital centre of trade between Harappan cities, West Asia and Africa. The dock, its wharf, lock-gate system, and sophisticated drainage system are unusual marvels of engineering. Lothal yielded the most important Indus-era antiquities in modern India. Its scientists divided the horizon and sky into 8–12 whole parts, pioneering the study of stars and advanced navigation. The techniques and tools pioneered for making beads, gems and in metallurgy have stood the test of time for over 4,000 years. Artisans pioneered realism and modern folktales, and features of Lothal's religion have been linked to Vedic religion—notably joint burials with the custom of sati. (continued...)

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