[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989) › v2.c38.246 # An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c38.246 An Encyclopaedia of Indian Archaeology v2.c38.246 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c38.246](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38.246) . Apart from the circuit wall encompassing the whole settlement, Lothal had two other notable features distinguishing it from other Indus cities—a dock and a warehouse. The former, a trapezoid baked-brick enclosure measuring on an average 214 × 36 m and flanking and running along practically the whole length of the e. city-wall, has been taken to be a dock to berth ships sailing into it at high tide through a 12 m wide gap in the n. flank; in the s. wall at the opposite end was a spillway for excess water to escape and to lock water when necessary by a (wooden) shutter in the vertical grooves provided in the flanking walls. That it was a dock has been doubted by some (Shah, 1960, pp. 310-20; Leshnik, 1968, pp. 911-22; Pandya, 1977, the last disputing the identification on grounds of the sea-level not allowing the gravity flow of water into the structure). But no better identification is forthcoming, as in the absence of steps or ramps leading down to the enclosure with vertical walls it could not have been a reservoir to hold potable water. - [Previous: v2.c38.245](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38.245) - [Next: v2.c38.247](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38.247) - [Up: v2.c38](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38) ## Cites (1) - [Lothal](https://indike.org/pramana/inp.site.lothal) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38.246](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.ghosh-1989.v2.c38.246) · Pramāṇa