Explanation: The Indus Valley Civilisation, also known as the Harappan Civilisation, was one of the earliest urban civilisations in the world, flourishing around 2600-1900 BCE. It was primarily located in the northwestern regions of the Indian subcontinent, covering parts of present-day Pakistan and India. The civilisation is named after the city of Harappa, which was one of its major urban centres, but it also included numerous other sites spread across a vast area.
One of the significant sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation is Lothal, which is located in the state of Gujarat in present-day India. Lothal is particularly notable for its advanced urban planning and sophisticated harbour facilities. The city was strategically positioned on the banks of the Sabarmati River, which provided it with a natural harbour and facilitated maritime trade. Archaeological excavations at Lothal have revealed a well-planned city with a grid-like layout, a dockyard, and various residential and commercial structures.
The site of Lothal provides valuable insights into the urban planning, architecture, and economic activities of the Indus Valley Civilisation. The dockyard at Lothal is one of the earliest known examples of a tidal dock, demonstrating the advanced engineering skills of the Harappan people. The city's layout and infrastructure suggest a high level of social organisation and administrative efficiency.
In contrast, the other options provided in the question do not pertain to the Indus Valley Civilisation sites in Gujarat. Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, while significant sites of the Indus Valley Civilisation, are located in present-day Pakistan. Rangpur is not a known site of the Indus Valley Civilisation, and Lahore, although a major city in Pakistan, is not associated with the Indus Valley Civilisation.
Therefore, Lothal is the correct answer as it is a major site of the Indus Valley Civilisation that is presently a part of Gujarat. Understanding the geographical distribution of Indus Valley sites is crucial for comprehending the extent and influence of this ancient civilisation.