UPSC Essentials | Mains answer practice — GS 1 : Questions on Indus Valley Civilization and Chhatrapati Shivaji (Week 80)

QUESTION 2

Evaluate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to India’s maritime history. Discuss his role in the formation of the Maratha Navy, the strategic significance of his naval policies, and the long-term impact on India’s coastal defence and naval traditions.

General points on the structure of the answers

Introduction

— The introduction of the answer is essential and should be restricted to 3-5 lines. Remember, a one-liner is not a standard introduction.

— It may consist of basic information by giving some definitions from the trusted source and authentic facts.

Body

— It is the central part of the answer and one should understand the demand of the question to provide rich content.

— The answer must be preferably written as a mix of points and short paragraphs rather than using long paragraphs or just points.

— Using facts from authentic government sources makes your answer more comprehensive. Analysis is important based on the demand of the question, but do not over analyse.

QUESTION 1: Discuss the archaeological significance of Lothal as an important site of the Indus Valley Civilization. Analyse its contributions to understanding ancient maritime trade, urban planning, and technological advancements in the context of Harappan culture.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Lothal, a significant hamlet between the Sabarmati and Bhogavo rivers in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region, was part of South Asia’s earliest urban culture, the Harappan Civilisation.

— The site is thought to be a modest natural mound that has been elevated and strengthened with mud and mud bricks several times to protect against annual floods. Interestingly, the name Lothal is considered to have originated from the Gujarati terms ‘Loth’ and ‘thal,’ which indicate ‘the mound of the dead.’

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

Contribution of Lothal

— In his book The Indus Civilisation, Sir Mortimer Wheeler writes, “The Harappan settlement bears all the essential marks of the Indus Civilisation: straight streets, with regimented buildings, baths, elaborate drains, and man-holes.” In 2014, Lothal was considered for UNESCO World Heritage status.

— Following India’s independence, archaeologist S R Rao spearheaded attempts to locate Harappan cities in the Saurashtra region, which led to the discovery of Lothal. Between February 13, 1955, and May 19, 1960, the ASI conducted excavations that showed an ancient city strategically located along a major river system on the trade route connecting Sindh to Saurashtra. This site produced one of the most comprehensive collections of artefacts in modern Indian archaeology.

— Lothal is known for its engineering marvels, notably the world’s oldest dockyard, measuring 214×36 meters and featuring a unique water-locking mechanism. Artefacts such as amethyst bead necklaces, copper or bronze axes, and fishhooks indicate maritime trade with ancient civilisations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Persia.

— The city’s design exemplified advanced urban planning, with a grid pattern, efficient drainage systems, and a rectangular basin thought to serve as a dockyard.

Conclusion:

— According to research from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, a substantial climate shift occurred some 4,500 years ago, reducing summer monsoon rainfall in the Indus Valley, damaging communities depending on seasonal rains. This resulted in the downfall and abandonment of urban centres in southern regions, including parts of modern-day Gujarat such as Lothal.

— The Union Cabinet recently approved the construction of the National nautical Heritage Complex at Lothal, a project that would commemorate India’s 4,500-year nautical history. The facility will incorporate a lighthouse museum, a five-dimensional theatre, and interactive displays.

(Source: Unearthing the past: What draws researchers to the Harappan archaeological site in Lothal? by Nikita Mohta)

Points to Ponder

Other important sites of Indus Valley Civilization

Location of Lothal

Important developments at Lothal

Related Previous Year Questions

To what extent has the urban planning and culture of the Indus Valley Civilization provided inputs to the present day urbanisation? Discuss. (2014)

The ancient civilisation in Indian sub-continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without a breakdown to the present day. Comment. (2015)

QUESTION 2: Evaluate Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s contributions to India’s maritime history. Discuss his role in the formation of the Maratha Navy, the strategic significance of his naval policies, and the long-term impact on India’s coastal defence and naval traditions.

Note: This is not a model answer. It only provides you with thought process which you may incorporate into the answers.

Introduction:

— Chhatrapati Shivaji was a visionary leader who established the Maratha Empire and Navy.

— At a time when European nations dominated the seas, Shivaji plotted a course for a self-sufficient naval force, giving him the title ‘Father of the Indian Navy’.

Body:

You may incorporate some of the following points in your answer:

— The Adilshahi of Bijapur, the Qutb Shahi of Golconda, and the Mughal Empire all had an impact on the Deccan region and Konkan coast in the seventeenth century. The Adilshahi held vital ports along India’s western Konkan Coast, while European powers such as the Portuguese, Dutch, English, and African-born Siddis ruled the sea.

— Following Vasco da Gama’s arrival in Calicut in 1498, the Portuguese took control of the Arabian Sea and its trading routes. They implemented the Cartaz system, which required trade permits and frequently destroyed non-compliant ships, limiting Indian merchants. To strengthen their position, the Portuguese created colonies along the Konkan Coast, including Vasai, Chaul, Daman, Goa, Basrur, and Mangalore, backed by a powerful naval fleet.

— Along with the Portuguese and British, the Dutch and French were active along India’s coastline. The Siddis had established themselves in Janjira, on the Konkan coast.

— When Shivaji began his independence campaign, the coast of Konkan was plagued with alien powers. The Siddi was a formidable opponent of the Maratha State. He carried fire and a sword everywhere along the Maratha coast. He was a constant bother, ‘troublesome as a rodent in the home.

— By taking Torna Fort (in today’s Pune district), Shivaji established his empire, or ‘Swarajya’. Shivaji annexed most of the Konkan and Kolhapur districts into Swarajya, gaining control of key northern ports like Kalyan and Bhiwandi while also increasing his influence in trade and nautical affairs.

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— Between 1657 and 1658, Shivaji expanded his control over a 100-kilometer stretch of the Konkan coast, from the Savitri River to the northern forts of Kohoj and Asherigad. He also took numerous strategic forts, including Surgad, Birwadi, Tala, Ghosale, Sudhagad, Kangori, and Raigad (formerly known as Rairi), expanding his dominion and directly confronting the Siddi territories.

Conclusion:

— Shivaji realised the importance of naval might in countering European domination over maritime trade routes and protecting key exports along the Konkan coast. With foreign trade critical to state revenue and pirates posing a continual threat, Shivaji recognised that naval might was required to protect his realm.

— According to historian Surendranath Sen’s book, Administrative System of the Marathas (1925), while the Marathas excelled in land combat, the sea was a new frontier, and Shivaji remains the first king in Indian history to establish a fleet with a definite political strategy.

(Source: Why Chhatrapati Shivaji is called the ‘Father of the Indian Navy’ by Shamika Sarvankar)

Points to Ponder

Maratha Empire

Facts about Shivaji

Third battle of Panipat

Related Previous Year Questions

The third battle of Panipat was fought in 1761. Why were so many empire-shaking battles fought at Panipat? (2014)

In what ways did the naval mutiny prove to be the last nail in the coffin of British colonial aspirations in India? (2014)

Previous Mains Answer Practice

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 79)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 1 (Week 78)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 80)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 2 (Week 79)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 80)

UPSC Essentials: Mains answer practice — GS 3 (Week 79)

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